Calculating Space Probe Speed for Escape Velocity

In summary, the conversation discusses the required speed for a space probe to be fired from Earth in order to maintain a speed of 3.88 km/s even after reaching an infinite distance from the planet. It is suggested to use the escape velocity formula and consider the energy of the probe. It is also noted that the escape velocity would take the probe to infinity.
  • #1
kopinator
41
1
At what speed should a space probe be fired from the Earth if it is required to still be traveling at a speed of 3.88 km/s, even after coasting to an exceedingly great distance from the planet (a distance that is essentially infinite)?

V(escape)= √(2GM/R) M= mass of Earth, R= radius of Earth

I thought this problem would have something to do with escape velocity but that doesn't seem to be right. I just don't know what to do for this problem. Any help?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
You can use the escape velocity as part of your solution.
It is useful to consider the energy (per mass) of the probe.
 
  • #3
Do you realize that the escape velocity will take the probe to infinity?
What speed will the probe have at infinity if projected with an initial velocity equal to the escape velocity ??
 

Related to Calculating Space Probe Speed for Escape Velocity

1. What is escape velocity?

Escape velocity is the minimum speed required for an object to escape the gravitational pull of a celestial body, such as a planet or moon.

2. How is escape velocity calculated?

Escape velocity is calculated using the equation v = √(2GM/r), where v is the escape velocity, G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the celestial body, and r is the distance from the center of the celestial body to the object.

3. Why is calculating escape velocity important for space probes?

Calculating escape velocity is important for space probes because it determines the minimum speed required for the probe to successfully leave the gravitational pull of a celestial body and continue on its intended trajectory.

4. How do you determine the mass and distance of a celestial body for escape velocity calculations?

The mass and distance of a celestial body can be determined through astronomical observations, such as measuring the orbit of a moon around a planet or studying the effects of the celestial body's gravity on nearby objects.

5. Can escape velocity be exceeded?

Yes, escape velocity can be exceeded, but it is not necessary for a space probe to do so. Once a probe reaches escape velocity, it can continue to accelerate and increase its speed, but it will still be able to escape the gravitational pull of the celestial body at the initial escape velocity.

Similar threads

Variation of escape velocity with equal surface gravity
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
189
Space elevator minimum initial speed
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
Finding r of a Jovian-synchronous orbit and escape velocity
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
Calculating Angle & Speed to Reach Planet's Moon from Station Orbit
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
865
I Atmospheric escape parametre statistics
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
1
Views
329
An object is launched from the Earth to escape the Sun
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
I What is Earth's escape velocity?
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
8
Views
624
Speed of a star in Special Relativity
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
648
Calculating Escape Velocity for Earth: Where Am I Going Wrong?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
Escape velocity of an iron asteroid
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top