Orbital Mechanics

Description: This quiz covers the fundamental concepts and principles of orbital mechanics, the branch of physics that deals with the motion of objects in space under the influence of gravitational forces.
Number of Questions: 14
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Tags: orbital mechanics astrodynamics spacecraft motion kepler's laws newtonian mechanics
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Which of the following is NOT one of Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion?

  1. The law of equal areas

  2. The law of ellipses

  3. The law of conservation of energy

  4. The law of harmonic motion


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion consist of the law of ellipses, the law of equal areas, and the law of periods. The law of harmonic motion is not a part of Kepler's Laws.

What is the shape of the trajectory of a planet orbiting the Sun?

  1. A circle

  2. An ellipse

  3. A parabola

  4. A hyperbola


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

According to Kepler's first law, the path of a planet's orbit around the Sun is an ellipse, with the Sun at one of the foci of the ellipse.

What is the relationship between the semi-major axis of an elliptical orbit and the period of the orbit?

  1. The semi-major axis is directly proportional to the period squared

  2. The semi-major axis is inversely proportional to the period squared

  3. The semi-major axis is directly proportional to the period

  4. The semi-major axis is inversely proportional to the period


Correct Option:
Explanation:

This relationship is known as Kepler's third law, which states that the square of the orbital period of a planet is proportional to the cube of the semi-major axis of its orbit.

What is the velocity of a spacecraft at the perigee (closest point) of its elliptical orbit?

  1. Maximum

  2. Minimum

  3. Constant

  4. Zero


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

At the perigee, the spacecraft is closest to the central body and therefore has the highest velocity in its orbit.

What is the specific orbital energy of a spacecraft in a circular orbit?

  1. Positive

  2. Negative

  3. Zero

  4. Infinite


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The specific orbital energy of a spacecraft in a circular orbit is negative because the spacecraft is bound to the central body by gravitational attraction.

What is the Hohmann transfer maneuver used for?

  1. Transferring a spacecraft from one circular orbit to another

  2. Transferring a spacecraft from an elliptical orbit to a circular orbit

  3. Transferring a spacecraft from a circular orbit to an elliptical orbit

  4. Transferring a spacecraft from one elliptical orbit to another


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Hohmann transfer maneuver is a two-impulse maneuver used to transfer a spacecraft from one circular orbit to another.

What is the purpose of a geostationary orbit?

  1. To keep a satellite fixed over a specific point on Earth's surface

  2. To keep a satellite in a constant state of motion around Earth

  3. To keep a satellite in a polar orbit around Earth

  4. To keep a satellite in a low Earth orbit


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A geostationary orbit is a circular orbit around Earth with an altitude of approximately 35,786 kilometers, which allows a satellite to remain fixed over a specific point on Earth's surface.

What is the main advantage of using an elliptical transfer orbit for interplanetary travel?

  1. It requires less energy than a Hohmann transfer maneuver

  2. It is faster than a Hohmann transfer maneuver

  3. It allows for more precise targeting of the destination planet

  4. It is more reliable than a Hohmann transfer maneuver


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Elliptical transfer orbits are often used for interplanetary travel because they require less energy than Hohmann transfer maneuvers.

What is the primary factor that determines the stability of an orbit?

  1. The mass of the central body

  2. The eccentricity of the orbit

  3. The semi-major axis of the orbit

  4. The inclination of the orbit


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The stability of an orbit is primarily determined by the mass of the central body.

What is the term used to describe the angle between the orbital plane of a satellite and the equatorial plane of the Earth?

  1. Inclination

  2. Eccentricity

  3. Argument of perigee

  4. True anomaly


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The angle between the orbital plane of a satellite and the equatorial plane of the Earth is called inclination.

What is the term used to describe the angle between the ascending node of an orbit and the vernal equinox?

  1. Right ascension of the ascending node

  2. Argument of perigee

  3. True anomaly

  4. Mean anomaly


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The angle between the ascending node of an orbit and the vernal equinox is called the right ascension of the ascending node.

What is the term used to describe the angle between the perigee of an orbit and the ascending node?

  1. Argument of perigee

  2. True anomaly

  3. Mean anomaly

  4. Eccentric anomaly


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The angle between the perigee of an orbit and the ascending node is called the argument of perigee.

What is the term used to describe the angle between the current position of a spacecraft in its orbit and the perigee?

  1. True anomaly

  2. Mean anomaly

  3. Eccentric anomaly

  4. Argument of perigee


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The angle between the current position of a spacecraft in its orbit and the perigee is called the true anomaly.

What is the term used to describe the angle between the perigee of an orbit and the true anomaly?

  1. Eccentric anomaly

  2. Mean anomaly

  3. True anomaly

  4. Argument of perigee


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The angle between the perigee of an orbit and the true anomaly is called the eccentric anomaly.

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