Why are the orbits of satellites outside of the earth's atmosphere?

The orbit needs to be circular

The orbit needs to be elliptical

Drag losses are absent outside the atmosphere

Within the atmosphere, the satellite spirals down to the earth

Correct Answer : Drag losses are absent outside the atmosphere

Explanation : Outside the atmosphere, due to the absence of air, aerodynamic effects like lift and drag are non-existent. Within the atmosphere, additional energy is required to make up for the drag losses.

Recently Updated in Rocket Propulsion Questions

For an airplane undergoing a steady pull-up maneuver along a curved flight path of the constant angle of attack, constant pitch rate of 20°/s, and having a radius of curvature of 150 m, determine the flight velocity.

38.33 m/s

47.66 m/s

52.36 m/s

69.42 m/s

Correct Answer : Option (C) : 52.36 m/s

Explaination : Pitch rate q = V/R
Then, V = qR = 20 x π/180 x 150 = 52.36 m/s.

Determine the period of revolution of an artificial satellite in a circular orbit of altitude 350 km.

1.266 hrs

1.395 hrs

1.525 hrs

1.738 hrs

Correct Answer : Option (C) : 1.525 hrs

Explanation : T=2π(R₀+h)^3/2/√μ
= 2×3.14x(6728000)^3/2/(3.986×10¹⁴)
= 1.525 hrs.

Which of the following can be spin-stabilized?

Bullet trains

Artificial satellites

Commercial aircrafts

Unguided rocket projectiles

Correct Answer : Option (D) : Unguided rocket projectiles

Explanation : Unguided rocket projectiles can be given a rotation about its longitudinal axis by means of inclined fins or smaller rocket nozzles to stabilize it. This is an example of spin stabilization.