Calculating Time to Overtake a Satellite in Orbit

In summary, the conversation discusses an astronaut in a space shuttle pursuing a satellite in need of repair. The astronaut is in a circular orbit with the same radius as the satellite, but 20 km behind it. The question is posed about how long it will take to overtake the satellite if the astronaut reduces their orbital radius by 1.1 km. The conversation then includes equations and calculations to determine an incorrect answer and identify the mistake of using the wrong distance for the satellite.
  • #1
Symstar
16
0

Homework Statement


You are an astronaut in the space shuttle pursuing a satellite in need of repair. You are in a circular orbit of the same radius as the satellite (400 km above the Earth), but 20 km behind it.

How long will it take to overtake the satellite if you reduce your orbital radius by 1.1 km?


Homework Equations


Fg=G*m1m2/r^2


The Attempt at a Solution


[tex]F_g=m\frac{v^2}{r}[/tex]
[tex]G\frac{m_1m_E}{r^2}=m\frac{v^2}{r}[/tex]
[tex]G\frac{m_E}{r}=v^2[/tex]
[tex]v=\sqrt{G\frac{m_E}{r}}[/tex]

vsat=31577.92 m/s
vshut=31621.43 m/s

vshut relative to satellite = 43.51 m/s

v=d/t => t=d/v

t = 20,000m / 43.51m/s = 459.66s = 0.13 hr

This is, however, the wrong answer. What did I do wrong?
 
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  • #2
Symstar said:
What did I do wrong?
The satellite 400 km above the Earth, not 400 km from the center of the Earth.
 
  • #3
Silly mistake, thanks for the help!
 

Related to Calculating Time to Overtake a Satellite in Orbit

What is a satellite?

A satellite is an object that orbits around another object in space. It can be natural, like a moon, or man-made, like a spacecraft.

How does a satellite stay in orbit?

A satellite stays in orbit due to the force of gravity between it and the object it is orbiting. This force keeps the satellite in a stable path around the object.

What is the force of gravity?

The force of gravity is the attractive force between two objects with mass. It is responsible for keeping objects in orbit and also for keeping us stuck to the surface of the Earth.

Why is the force of gravity important for satellites?

The force of gravity is important for satellites because it is what allows them to stay in orbit around a larger object, like the Earth. Without this force, satellites would not be able to maintain their orbits and would either crash into the object or drift off into space.

How does the force of gravity affect the motion of satellites?

The force of gravity affects the motion of satellites by causing them to constantly accelerate towards the larger object they are orbiting. This acceleration, combined with the satellite's initial velocity, results in a circular or elliptical orbit around the object.

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