Which of these reasons is not used for carrying out the Phasing maneuver?

To save fuel

To adjust the inclination angle of the orbit

For the spacecraft to move ahead of another spacecraft

For the spacecraft to move with another spacecraft behind it

Correct Answer : To adjust the inclination angle of the orbit

Explanation : The phasing maneuver is usually carried out when the spacecraft needs to rendezvous ahead or behind another spacecraft. Also, sometimes this is carried out to save the fuel by entering a phasing orbit closer the original orbit and performing multiple orbits before returning back to the orbital burn point.

Recently Updated in Spaceflight Mechanics Questions

Where does the smallest possible transfer ellipse occur for a Hohmann transfer?

Equator

Only apogee of the final orbit

Only perigee of the final orbit

Perigee and apogee of the final orbit

Correct Answer : Option (D) : Perigee and apogee of the final orbit

Explanation : When there is a Hohmann transfer, the smallest possible transfer ellipse occurs when the transfer takes place at either apogee of perigee of the final orbit which is at a point opposite to the terminating point.

When both initial and final orbits are circular, what is the maneuver known as?

Chase maneuver

Bi- elliptic transfer

Hohmann transfer

Phasing maneuver

Correct Answer : Option (C) : Hohmann transfer

Explanation : When the initial and final orbits are circular, the optimal maneuver is called a Hohmann transfer. This transfer consists of two tangential velocity impulses which I applied at the initial and final radius.

In which case is the minimum velocity impulse achieved for coplanar maneuver?

When impulse is applied radially

When impulse is applied at 45 deg

When impulse is applied tangential

When impulse is applied perpendicularly

Correct Answer : Option (C) : When impulse is applied tangential

Explanation : For a coplanar maneuver, multi-impulse maneuver is very efficient. The minimum velocity impulse is achieved when the impulse is applied in the same direction of initial and final velocity vector. This is known as tangential impulse.