How Does the Shuttle Stay in Orbit?
Use the following two equations that describe the force acting on an object. The first equation represents the force of gravity acting on the Shuttle. Where: F 1 = Force of gravity acting on the Shuttle G = Universal gravitational constant m e = Mass of Earth m s = Mass of the Shuttle r = Distance from center of Earth to the Shuttle The second equation represents the force acting on the Shuttle that causes a centripetal acceleration, This is an expression of Newton’s second law, F=ma. F 2 = Force acting on the Shuttle that causes uniform circular motion (with centripetal acceleration) v = Velocity of the Shuttle These two forces are equal: F1 =F 2 In order to stay in a circular orbit at a given distance from the center of Earth, r, the Shuttle must travel at a precise velocity, v. Back • How does the Shuttle change its altitude? From a detailed equation relating the Shuttle velocity with the Shuttle altitude, one can obtain the following simple relationship for a circular orbit. Certai
