Question

Imagine a landing craft approaching the surface of Callisto, one of Jupiter's moons. If the engine provides an upward force (thrust) of 2784 N, the craft descends at constant speed; if the engine provides only 1879 N, the craft accelerates downward at 0.39 m/s2. What is the weight of the landing craft in the vicinity of Callisto's surface?

What is the mass of the craft?

What is the free-fall acceleration near the surface of Callisto?

Answer 1

well, weight must be 2784N, as a thrust of that equals graviational force.

netforce=ma
1879-mg=ma
but mg=2784
so -2784+1879=m(-.39)
mass= ....