Getting Into Space

Question 1

What two forces must be balanced in order for a body to maintain its orbit

Answer 1

Centripetal and gravitational

mv² / r = GMm / r²

Question 2

Use the equation for momentum conservation to describe how propellant generates thrust on a spacecraft.

Answer 2

m_r.v_r = m_p.v_p

Question 3

In the rocket equation what does the specific inpulse, I_sp, mean in terms of rocket performance? What is a typical value?

Answer 3

Specific impulse is a measure of the effectiveness of the rocket. The higher the better. It depends upon tye choice of fuel and the engine design, specifically the exhaust nozzle.

Question 4

What is the typical specific impulse of a launch vehicke rocket engine? How can one then find the exhaust velocity?

Answer 4

350 - 470 s

v_e = g₀I_sp

Question 5

What is the typical specific impulse of a launch vehicke rocket engine? How can one then find the exhaust velocity?

Answer 5

350 - 470 s

v_e = g₀I_sp

Question 6

What are the four fuel types mentioned?

Answer 6

• Solid
• Liquid monopropellant
  
  • H₂O₂
  • N₂H₄
• liquid bipropellant
  
  • N₂O₄
  • N₂H₄
• ions