How High Can a Rocket Go Using Liquid Oxygen and Kerosene?

In summary, a 20000kg spacecraft with 17000kg of fuel and a liquid oxygen and kerosene rocket with an exhaust velocity of 3500m/s starts at the surface of the Earth with a mass of 6*10^24kg and a radius of 6.3*10^6m. Using the rocket equation, the rocket can reach a height of approximately 6639m above the Earth's surface. Once the rocket reaches a height of 500km, an explosive device blows off its 500kg payload and the spent rocket booster falls back to Earth. The velocity of the payload will be 6639m/s and the height of the stable orbit for the payload will also be 6639
  • #1
myuugen
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Homework Statement



A 20000kg spacecraft carrying 17000kg of fuel starts at the surface pf the earth, (Mass=6*1024kg, radius of 6.3*10^6 m). The liquid oxygen and kerosene rocket provides an exhaust velocity of 3500m/s.

a.) How much high can the rocket go above the Earth's surface?
b.)Once the rocket reaches a height of 500km, an explosive device blows its 500kg payload off and the spent rocket booster falls straight back to earth. What is the velocity of the payload?
c.)What will be the height of the stable orbit for the payload?

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


Isp = Vexit/g0
Isp = Itotal/(mass propellant * g0)

delta V = Vexhaust* ln(m0/mf)

Plugging into the rocket equation, you get delta v = 6639 m/s. Isp = 356 seconds. I total = 59500000. I'm stuck here.
 
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  • #2
a.)The rocket can reach a height of 6639 m above the Earth's surface.b.)The velocity of the payload will be 6639 m/s.c.)The height of the stable orbit for the payload will be 6639 m.
 

Related to How High Can a Rocket Go Using Liquid Oxygen and Kerosene?

1. What is escape velocity?

Escape velocity is the minimum speed an object needs to achieve in order to escape the gravitational pull of a larger object, such as a planet or star. It is a critical concept in rocket science, as it determines the amount of energy and thrust needed to launch a rocket into space.

2. How is escape velocity calculated?

Escape velocity is calculated using the mass and radius of the larger object, as well as the universal gravitational constant. The formula is: Ve = √(2GM/R), where Ve is the escape velocity, G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the larger object, and R is its radius.

3. Can escape velocity change?

Yes, escape velocity can change depending on the location and mass of the larger object. For example, the escape velocity on Earth is around 11.2 km/s, but it would be different on a different planet with a different mass and radius.

4. Why is escape velocity important for space travel?

Escape velocity is important for space travel because it determines the amount of thrust and energy needed to break free from the gravitational pull of a planet or star. It also helps determine the trajectory and speed needed for a rocket to reach its destination in space.

5. Can escape velocity be exceeded?

Yes, escape velocity can be exceeded, but it requires a significant amount of energy and thrust. This is often achieved through multiple stages of rocket boosters or by using the gravitational pull of other objects, such as a planet or moon, to slingshot the rocket forward.

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