Table of Contents

Orbital Mechanics

Student Activity

Manoeuvring In Space

Assignment

1. Suppose you were stranded on a perfectly frictionless and perfectly flat surface. Suggest a method by which you might rescue yourself without soliciting outside help.

   
   
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2. To re-enter the Earth's atmosphere the Space Shuttle performs a brief rocket burn in a direction parallel to the Earth's surface and opposite to the direction of its orbital motion. Explain why a downward thrust is not used.

3. Which orbits are possible and which orbits are impossible in the diagram below. Explain your reasoning.