Terms (orbits)
Terms
Escape velocity
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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 =  |
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Viscous Drag
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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
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Relation between r and θ:
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= (1 + εcosθ) |
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Minimum radius:
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rmin =  |
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Maximum radius:
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rmax =  |
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