/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 7 Why are satellites generally lau... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 8: Problem 7

Why are satellites generally launched eastward and from low latitudes? (Hint: Think about Earth's rotation.)

Short Answer

Expert verified
Satellites are generally launched eastward and from low latitudes because it enables us to take advantage of the Earth's rotation. The Earth rotates from west to east, so launching a satellite eastward adds the Earth鈥檚 rotational speed to the satellite, reducing the amount of fuel required. Low latitudes, like the equator, have the greatest rotational speed on Earth, therefore launching from these locations provides the maximum 'boost' to the satellite from the Earth's rotation.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Effect of Earth's Rotation

The Earth rotates from west to east. This means that any point on the Earth's surface, especially at the equator, already has a significant eastward velocity due to the Earth's rotation. This is important for launching satellites because it means we can utilize the Earth鈥檚 rotational speed to assist with the launch.
02

Understanding the Advantage of Low Latitudes

Low latitudes, particularly around the equator, have the greatest rotational speed compared to locations closer to the poles. This is because the radius of Earth's rotation is largest at the equator. Therefore, launching from the equator, or low latitudes, gives the satellite a 'boost' from the Earth's rotation, reducing the amount of fuel required.
03

Understanding the benefits of launching Eastward

Launching a satellite eastward, in the same direction as Earth's rotation, allows us to take advantage of the Earth's rotational speed. This is beneficial as it maximizes the added velocity to the satellite from the Earth's rotation, making it more energy efficient to reach the required orbital speed.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Given Earth's mass, the Moon's distance and orbital period, and the value of \(G,\) could you calculate the Moon's mass? If yes, how? If no, why not?

What's the approximate value of the gravitational force between a \(67-\mathrm{kg}\) astronaut and a \(73,000-\mathrm{kg}\) spacecraft when they're \(84 \mathrm{m}\) apart?

A projectile is launched vertically upward from a planet of mass \(M\) and radius \(R ;\) its initial speed is \(\sqrt{2}\) times the escape speed. Derive an expression for its speed as a function of the distance \(r\) from the planet's center.

The asteroid that exploded over Chelyabinsk. Russia, in 2012 (see Application on page 137 ) was moving at \(35.5 \mathrm{km} / \mathrm{s}\) relative to the Sun just before it entered Earth's atmosphere. Calculations based on orbital observations show that it was moving at \(11.2 \mathrm{km} / \mathrm{s}\) at aphelion (its most distant point from the Sun). Find the distance at aphelion, expressed in astronomical units ( \(1 \mathrm{AU}\) is the average distance of Earth from the Sun; see Appendix E).

Determine escape speeds from (a) Jupiter's moon Callisto and (b) a neutron star. with the Sun's mass crammed into a sphere of radius \(6.0 \mathrm{km}\). See Appendix E for relevant data.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Measurements

Read Explanation

Oscillations

Read Explanation

Solid State Physics

Read Explanation

Famous Physicists

Read Explanation

Scientific Method Physics

Read Explanation

Physics of Motion

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.