Sunday, September 28, 2008

Fundamentals : Orbit and de orbit

To put a satellite in orbit calculations needs to be done to know the location. If you want the orbit to have a period of 8 hrs along the equitorial plane you need to know the location , the distance R form the centre of the Earth. A different R will yield a different period T. Having placed the satellite at the right R , the satellite need the correct speed otherwise it will not stay in orbit.
To return to earth, the module needs to brake i.e lose speed and radius will decrease and if done continually will lead to module de orbiting and returning to Earth. The Chinese taikonaut successfully de orbit and return safely to earth after orbiting for about 2 days.