Question

The specific angular momentum of a spacecraft in circular Earth orbit is 48,000 km2 /s. Determine the period of the orbit.

Answer 1

Answer:

T = 5325 s

Explanation:

Given:

- Specific angular momentum h = 48,000 km^2 /s

- Radius of earth r_e = 6.3781 *10^3 km

Find:

The period of orbit

The relationship between Specific angular momentum h and period of orbit is as follows:

                                    h = 2*pi*r_e^2 / T

                                    T = 2*pi*r_e^2 / h

Hence, Plug the values

                              T = 2*pi*(6.3781 *10^3)^2 / 48,000

                              T = 5325 s = 1.48 h