NASA educational briefs for the classroom. Orbits of bodies in space
Abstract
The difference between an orbit and a revolution is explained and it is shown why space shuttle Columbia's period of revolution was longer than its orbital period. Parameters of orbits examined include apoapsis, periapsis, apogee, perigee, aphelion, perihelion, orbital plane, and inclination. Orbit velocity and duration, Newton's law of gravitation, and Kepler's three laws of motion are considered. The principles involved in geostationary satellites are also explored.
- Publication:
-
NASA STI/Recon Technical Report N
- Pub Date:
- 1982
- Bibcode:
- 1982STIN...8313134.
- Keywords:
-
- Gravitation;
- Kepler Laws;
- Orbital Mechanics;
- Orbits;
- Columbia (Orbiter);
- Revolving;
- Space Shuttle Orbiters;
- Spacecraft Launching;
- Synchronous Satellites;
- Astrodynamics