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Chapter 4: Problem 21

What is the advantage of launching satellites from spaceports located near the equator? Would you expect satellites to be launched to the east or to the west? Why?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Launching from the equator uses Earth's rotational speed, making launches more efficient and cost-effective; satellites are typically launched east to benefit from this boost.

Step by step solution

01

- Understanding Earth's Rotation

Review that the Earth rotates from west to east, which means that any point on the equator travels at a maximum rotational speed compared to other latitudes.
02

- Explaining Rotational Velocity

Explain that a point on the equator moves at approximately 1670 kilometers per hour (1040 miles per hour) due to Earth's rotation. This velocity can offer a 'free boost' to launch vehicles, making it easier to achieve the necessary orbital speed.
03

- Advantage of Equatorial Spaceports

Highlight that launching from the equator maximizes the use of Earth's rotational speed, reducing the required fuel and making launches more efficient and cost-effective.
04

- Direction of Satellite Launch

Explain that satellites are most commonly launched to the east to take advantage of Earth's eastward rotation, ensuring they benefit from the additional velocity and reducing the energy required to reach orbit.
05

- Concluding the Benefits

Summarize that launching satellites from near the equator, and in an eastward direction, utilizes Earth's rotational speed effectively, saving fuel, decreasing costs, and allowing for a more efficient trajectory to orbit.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Earth's Rotation
The Earth rotates from west to east, completing one full turn every 24 hours. This rotation means that any point on the Earth's surface is constantly moving. However, the speed at which these points move varies depending on their latitude. The fastest speeds are found at the equator. Here, the rotational velocity is at its peak compared to locations further from the equator. This concept of rotational speed becomes crucial in understanding satellite launches.
Rotational Velocity
Rotational velocity refers to how fast a point on Earth's surface is moving due to the planet's rotation. At the equator, this speed is around 1670 kilometers per hour (or about 1040 miles per hour). As you move towards the poles, this speed decreases. This inherent speed is advantageous for launching satellites because it provides a 'free boost' to the vehicle. By launching from locations with higher rotational velocity, less fuel is required to reach the desired orbital speed. This makes the launch process more efficient and cost-effective.
Equatorial Spaceports
Equatorial spaceports are launch sites located near the equator. These locations are preferred for satellite launches because they can make the most of Earth's rotational velocity. The natural speed at the equator helps in achieving the necessary orbital velocity, significantly reducing the amount of fuel needed. Examples of such spaceports include the Guiana Space Centre in South America and the upcoming spaceports in areas like Indonesia. The efficiency gained from these equatorial launches translates into cost savings and improved launch success rates.
Orbital Speed
Orbital speed is the velocity a satellite must reach to maintain a stable orbit around Earth. This speed is roughly 7,800 meters per second (approximately 17,500 miles per hour) for low Earth orbit. When satellites are launched near the equator, they start with an initial boost from Earth's rotational speed—about 1670 kilometers per hour (1040 miles per hour). Bringing them closer to the required orbital speed. This means less fuel and energy are needed to achieve the desired orbit, making the launch process more efficient. This efficiency is a crucial reason for choosing equatorial launch sites.
Satellite Launch Direction
Satellites are typically launched to the east. This direction takes advantage of Earth's rotational speed, adding extra velocity to the launch. Launching to the east maximizes the 'free boost' of approximately 1670 kilometers per hour (1040 miles per hour) provided by Earth's rotation at the equator. This directional choice reduces the fuel and energy needed to achieve the required orbital speed, making launches more efficient and cost-effective. In summary, launching satellites to the east from equatorial spaceports leverages the rotational dynamics of Earth, providing significant advantages in terms of speed and efficiency.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Go to NASA's "Apollo 15 Hammer-Feather Drop" Web page (http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/lunar/apollo_15_feather_ drop.html) and watch the video from Apollo 15 of astronaut David Scott dropping the hammer and falcon feather on the Moon. (You might find a better version on YouTube.) What did this experiment show? What would happen if you tried this on Earth with a feather and a hammer? Would it work? Suppose instead you dropped the hammer and a big nail. How would they fall? How does the acceleration of falling objects on the Moon compare to the acceleration of falling objects on Earth?

At the surface of Earth, the escape velocity is \(11.2 \mathrm{km} / \mathrm{s}\). What would be the escape velocity at the surface of a very small asteroid having a radius \(10^{-4}\) that of Earth and a mass \(10^{-12}\) that of Earth?

Go to a website that will show you the times for high and low tides; for example, http://saltwatertides.com. Pick a location and bring up the tide table for today and the next 14 days. Why are there two high tides and two low tides every day? What is the difference in the height of the water between high and low tides? In the last few columns of the table, the times of moonrise and moonset are indicated, as well as the percent of lunar illumination. Does the time of the high tide lead or follow the highest position of the Moon in the sky? Compare with Figure \(4.12 \mathrm{c}:\) what phases of the Moon have the greatest differences in the height of high and low tides?

Tides raise and lower the level of Earth's oceans. Can they do the same for Earth's landmasses? Explain your answer.

The connection between gravity and orbits enables astronomers to measure the ________ of stars and planets. a. distances b. sizes c. masses d. compositions
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