A satellite of mass m (where m ≪ Me) is initially in a circular orbit around the Earth at a height of 410 km above the Earth’s equator. Its operators would like to move it into a geosynchronous orbit using a Hohmann transfer orbit. Assume a spherical Earth with radius 6371 km. (a) Sketch the satellite’s Hohmann transfer orbit. (b) Find the satellite’s initial (circular) orbital speed according to an inertial observer. (c) Find the maximum height of the satellite above the Earth’s surface when it is on its Hohmann transfer orbit. (d) How much does the satellite’s initial speed need to be increased to place it on its Hohmann transfer orbit?

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A satellite of mass m (where m ≪ Me) is initially in a circular orbit around the Earth at a height of 410 km above the Earth’s equator. Its operators would like to move it into a geosynchronous orbit using a Hohmann transfer orbit. Assume a spherical Earth with radius 6371 km.

(a) Sketch the satellite’s Hohmann transfer orbit.

(b) Find the satellite’s initial (circular) orbital speed according to an inertial observer.

(c) Find the maximum height of the satellite above the Earth’s surface when it is on its Hohmann transfer orbit.

(d) How much does the satellite’s initial speed need to be increased to place it on its Hohmann transfer orbit?

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