An m = 43 kg mass instrument package is put into orbit at an altitude above the Earth of A = 23000 km. What is the kinetic energy of this satellite in Joules?

Answer 1

F = G m Me/(h+Re)^2
so let R = 2.3*10^7 + RE

centripetal a = v^2/R
so
F = m a = m v^2/R = mG Me/R^2
or
m v^2 = m G Me/R
and
.5 mv^2 = .5 m G Me/R

Answer 2

But how do I get it to Joules? thanks

Answer 3

That is in Joules if you use
m in kg
G = 6.67*10^-11 N m^2/kg^2
Me = 5.98 * 10^24 kg
Re = 6.38 * 10^6 meters