Understanding Orbits - Chapter 5 problems

2. How many initial conditions (ICs) do we need for solving the two-body equation of motion? Give an example of one set of ICs.



3. If a spacecraft has a high specific mechanical energy, what does this tell us about the size of the orbit? Why?



4. What is the specific mechanical energy, ε, of an orbit with a semimajor axis of 42,160 km?



6. What are the six COEs?



7. What are the two major categories of inclination relative to the Earth’s motion?



15.  A spacecraft has these orbital elements:

Semimajor axis = 5740 km
Eccentricity = 0.1
Inclination = 53°
Right ascension of the ascending node = 345°
Argument of perigee = 270°
True anomaly = 183°

What is peculiar about this orbit?






**ANY HELP WOULD BE GREAT!!. I just cannot seem to get out of my own way and concentrate hard enough to find the answers in the chapter. Thank you in advance!