Terms (orbits)
Terms
Escape velocity
-
The escape velocity is the minimum surface speed required to completely escape
the gravitational field of a planet. It does not depend on the direction of
launch. It is given by:
v =  |
|
Viscous Drag
-
Viscous drag occurs when a satellite interacts with air molecules in the upper
atmosphere. The friction generated with the atmosphere speeds up the satellite
but spirals it into a lower orbit.
Formulae
|
Relation between r and θ:
|
 =  (1 + εcosθ) |
|
|
|
Minimum radius:
|
rmin =  |
|
|
|
Maximum radius:
|
rmax =  |
|
|
