3D Satellite Orbit Transfer

3D Satellite Orbit Transfer

Example 8.8: Energy changes in orbital transfer - 3D Visualization

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Results:

Satellite mass: 400 kg

Initial orbit radius: 2RE

Final orbit radius: 4RE

Total Energy Required:

3.13 × 109 J

Change in Kinetic Energy:

-3.13 × 109 J

Change in Potential Energy:

6.25 × 109 J

Class 11 Example 2.4 Simulation: Physics Explained

What This Simulation Shows:

How to calculate the energy needed to move a satellite between different circular orbits around Earth.

Step-by-Step Energy Calculation:

1. Initial Orbit Energy (at 2RE):

Einitial = - (G × ME × m) / (4RE)

2. Final Orbit Energy (at 4RE):

Efinal = - (G × ME × m) / (8RE)

3. Total Energy Needed:

ΔE = (G × ME × m) / (8RE)

Using g = G×ME/RE2:

ΔE = (g × m × RE) / 8

= (9.81 × 400 × 6.37×106) / 8

= 3.13 × 109 Joules

What Changes During Transfer:

  • 🔻 Kinetic Energy decreases by 3.13 × 109 J
  • 🔺 Potential Energy increases by 6.25 × 109 J
  • ⚡ Total Energy increases by 3.13 × 109 J

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