Astronaut's speed toward shuttle after pushing satellite can be computed by assuming total momentum remains zero. Satellite and astronaut momentum with respect to shuttle are equal and opposite, so
V = 1200*0.25/88 = 3.41 m/s
Initial distance apart = V*7.5 s = 25.6 m
A 88-kg astronaut and a 1200-kg satellite are at rest relative to the space shuttle. The astronaut pushes on the satellite, giving it a speed of 0.25m/s directly away from the shuttle. Seven-and-a-half seconds later the astronaut comes into contact with the shuttle.What was the initial distance from the shuttle to the astronaut?.
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