Chapter 9 : Getting to Orbit Flashcards
1. describe launch windows 2. when and where to launch and velocities and direction 3. mission planners determining when and where to launch etc (from #2)
1
Q
What is a launch window?
A
a period of time to launch a spacecraft directly into a specified orbit
when a launch site and orbital plane intersect
2
Q
What is sidereal time?
A
the angle between longitude line and the vernal equinox
1 sidereal date = 23 hours 56 min 04 sec
3
Q
What is longer, a solar day or sidereal day?
A
solar day > sidereal day
1 sidereal day = 23 hours 56 min 04 sec polar day
this is because the earth is also orbiting the sun, so the solar day is not as constant
