(Test 1) Space Domain

Question 1

Discuss the impacts of gravity and angular momentum on the motion of space objects

Answer 1

Gravity and momentum drive motion in space

Gravity: Objects in space fall. If an object falls fast enough we can take advantage of earth’s curvature to keep it flying.

Angular Momentum: Is Constant and keeps orbits fixed in space. Speed of angular momentum makes “turning” difficult.

Question 2

Discuss semimajor axis

Answer 2

Orbit Size; “average” altitude. Impact - Type of mission and speed of satellite.

Question 3

Discuss eccentricity

Answer 3

Orbit Shape; How close it is to circular. Impact - Type of mission and field of view

Question 4

Discuss Inclination

Answer 4

Orbit Tilt; Angle from the equator. Impact - Where the satellite has access over earth.

Question 5

Discuss argument of perigee

Answer 5

Where the orbit is closest to earth. Impact - Where the satellite is optimized for the mission

Question 6

Discuss true anomaly

Answer 6

Satellite location. Where the satellite is currently in it’s orbit.

Question 7

Discuss right ascension of the ascending node

Answer 7

Orbital twist; Where it will cross the equator.

Question 8

Space block : Air Domain

Answer 8

Surface to 90km

Question 9

Space block and mission : Low Earth Orbit LEO

Answer 9

90-850km; 7.4 km/s

Weather, SAR, Imagery, some ELINT, Space based surveillance

Question 10

Space block and mission ; Medium Earth Orbit MEO

Answer 10

20 000km; 3.9km/s

GPS

Question 11

Space block and mission ; Geosynchronous Orbit GEO

Answer 11

35 000km ; 3km/s

OPIR, comm, ELINT, Space based surveillance

Question 12

Space block and mission ; Highly Elliptical Orbit HEO

Answer 12

400km - 40 000km ; 1.48 - 10km/s

OPIR, Imagery

Question 13

Describe the limiations of space based mission support

Answer 13

Limited dwell, Wait for revisit (except GEO), Mission support