Problem: The International Space Station is in a 230-mile-high orbit.Part A What is the station's orbital speed? The radius of Earth is 6.37 × 106 m, its mass is 5.98 × 1024 kg.Part B What is the station's orbital period?

Part A

$1 m i l e = 1609 m$

Orbital speed, v,

$v = \sqrt{\frac{G \cdot M}{R}}$

Height of orbit, H = 230 miles (1609 m / 1 mile) = 0.37 × 10⁶ m

Radius of the Earth, R = 6.37 × 10⁶m

Radius of the orbit, r = R + H = 6.37 × 10⁶ + 0.37 × 10⁶ = 6.74 × 10⁶ m

Mass, m = 5.98 × 10²⁴ kg

Gravitation constant, G = 6.673 × 10^-11 N.m² / kg²

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The International Space Station is in a 230-mile-high orbit.

Part A

What is the station's orbital speed? The radius of Earth is 6.37 × 10⁶m, its mass is 5.98 × 10²⁴ kg.

Part B

What is the station's orbital period?

What scientific concept do you need to know in order to solve this problem?

Our tutors have indicated that to solve this problem you will need to apply the Satellite Motion: Speed & Period concept. You can view video lessons to learn Satellite Motion: Speed & Period. Or if you need more Satellite Motion: Speed & Period practice, you can also practice Satellite Motion: Speed & Period practice problems.

What professor is this problem relevant for?

Based on our data, we think this problem is relevant for Professor Darnton's class at GT.