Draw a diagram to illustrate the problem as shown below.
g = gravitational acceleration, m/s², on Callisto
m = mass of craft, kg
Case 1: The craft descends at a constant speed when F = 3264 N.
There is no acceleration, therefore
mg = 3264 (1)
Case 2: The craft accelerates down at 0.39 m/s² when F = 2203 N.
mg - 2203 = m*0.39 (2)
From (1), obtain
3264 - 2203 = 0.39m
m = 1061/0.39 = 2720.5 kg
From (1),
g = 3264/2720.5 = 1.2 m/s²
The weight of the craft is
mg = 2720.5*1.2 = 3264 N, as expected.
Answer:
The weight of the craft is 3264 N
The mass of the craft is 2720.5 kg
The gravitational acceleration is 1.2 m/s²
