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EXAMPLE PROBLEMS
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PROBLEM 1.1

Calculate the velocity of an artificial satellite orbiting the earth in a circular orbit
at an altitude of 150 miles above the earth's surface.

SOLUTION,
Given:

r = (3,960 + 150) x 5,280 = 21,700,800 ft

Equation (1.6),
v = SQRT[ GM / r ]
v = SQRT[ 1.408x1016 / 21,700,800 ]
v = 25,470 ft/s

PROBLEM 1.2

Calculate the period of revolution for the satellite in problem 1.1.

SOLUTION,
Given:

r = 21,700,800 ft

Equation (1.9),
P2 = 4 x

P = SQRT[ 4 x
P = SQRT[ 4 x
P = 5,350 s

x r3 / GM
2
2

x r3 / GM ]

x 21,700,8003 / 1.408x1016 ]

PROBLEM 1.3

Calculate the radius of orbit (in SI units) for a earth satellite in a geosynchronous orbit,
where the earth's rotational period is 86,164 seconds.

SOLUTION,
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Given:

P = 86,164 s

Equation (1.9),
P2 = 4 x

x r3 / GM

r = [ P2 x GM / (4 x

2)

]1/3

r = [ 86,1642 x 3.986x1014 / (4 x
r = 42,164,000 m

2)

]1/3

PROBLEM 1.4

An artificial earth satellite is in an elliptical orbit which brings it to an altitude of

250 km at perigee and out to an altitude of 500 km at apogee. Calculate the velocity of
the satellite at both perigee and apogee.

SOLUTION,
Given:

Rp = (6,375 + 250) x 1,000 = 6,625,000 m

Ra = (6,375 + 500) x 1,000 = 6,875,000 m

Equations (1.16) and (1.17),

Vp = SQRT[ 2 x GM x Ra / (Rp x (Ra + Rp)) ]
Vp = SQRT[ 2 x 3.986x1014 x 6,875,000 / (6,625,000 x (6,875,000 + 6,625,000)) ]
Vp = 7,828 m/s
Va = SQRT[ 2 x GM x Rp / (Ra x (Ra + Rp)) ]
Va = SQRT[ 2 x 3.986x1014 x 6,625,000 / (6,875,000 x (6,875,000 + 6,625,000)) ]
Va = 7,544 m/s

PROBLEM 1.5

A satellite in earth orbit passes through its perigee point at an altitude of 200 km
above the earth's surface and at a velocity of 7,850 m/s. Calculate the apogee altitude
of the satellite.

SOLUTION,
Given:

Rp = (6,375 + 200) x 1,000 = 6,575,000 m

Vp = 7,850 m/s

Equation (1.18),
Ra = Rp / [2 x GM / (Vp2 x Rp) - 1]
Ra = 6,575,000 / [2 x 3.986x1014 / (7,8502 x 6,575,000) - 1]
Ra = 6,795,000 m
Altitude @ apogee = 6,795,000 / 1,000 - 6,375 = 420 km

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PROBLEM 1.6

Calculate the eccentricity of the orbit for the satellite in problem 1.5.

SOLUTION,
Given:

Rp = 6,575,000 m
Vp = 7,850 m/s

Equation (1.20),
e = Rp x Vp2 / GM - 1
e = 6,575,000 x 7,8502 / 3.986x1014 - 1
e = 0.0165

PROBLEM 1.7

A satellite in earth orbit has a semi-major axis of 6,700 km and an eccentricity of 0.01.
Calculate the satellite's altitude at both perigee and apogee.

SOLUTION,
Given:

r = 6,700 km
e = 0.01

Equation (1.21) and (1.22),

Rp = r x (1 - e)
Rp = 6,700 x (1 - .01)
Rp = 6,633 km
Altitude @ perigee = 6,633 - 6,375 = 258 km
Ra = r x (1 + e)
Ra = 6,700 x (1 + .01)
Ra = 6,767 km
Altitude @ apogee = 6,767 - 6,375 = 392 km

PROBLEM 1.8

A satellite is launched into earth orbit where its launch vehicle burns out at an
altitude of 150 miles. At burnout the satellite's velocity is 26,000 ft/s with
equal to 89 degrees. Calculate the satellite's altitude at perigee and apogee.

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SOLUTION,
Given:

r1 = (3,960 + 150) x 5,280 = 21,700,800 ft

v1 = 26,000 ft/s
= 89o

Equation (1.26),
(Rp / r1)1,2 = ( -C +/- SQRT[ C2 - 4 x (1 - C) x -sin2
where

]) / (2 x (1 - C))

C = 2 x GM / (r1 x v12)
C = 2 x 1.408x1016 / (21,700,800 x 26,0002)
C = 1.920

(Rp / r1)1,2 = ( -1.920 +/- SQRT[ 1.9202 - 4 x -0.920 x -sin2(89) ]) / (2 x -0.920)

(Rp / r1)1,2 = 0.9963 and 1.091
Perigee Radius, Rp = Rp1 = r1 x (Rp / r1)1
Rp = 21,700,800 x 0.9963
Rp = 21,621,000 ft
Altitude @ perigee = 21,621,000 / 5280 - 3,960 = 135 miles
Apogee Radius, Ra = Rp2 = r1 x (Rp / r1)2
Ra = 21,700,800 x 1.091
Ra = 23,676,000 ft
Altitude @ agogee = 23,676,000 / 5,280 - 3,960 = 524 miles

PROBLEM 1.9

Calculate the eccentricity of the orbit for the satellite in problem 1.8.

SOLUTION,
Given:

r1 = 21,700,800 ft
v1 = 26,000 ft/s
= 89o

Equation (1.27),
e = SQRT[ (r1 x v12 / GM - 1)2 x sin2
+ cos2
]
2
16
2
e = SQRT[ (21,700,800 x 26,000 / 1.408x10
- 1) x sin2(89) + cos2(89) ]
e = 0.0454

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Example Problems

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PROBLEM 1.10
Calculate the angle
problem 1.8.

from perigee point to launch point for the satellite in

SOLUTION,
Given:

r1 = 21,700,800 ft
v1 = 26,000 ft/s
= 89o

Equation (1.28),
tan

= (r1 x v12 / GM) x sin

tan

= 0.437

tan

x cos

/ [(r1 x v12 / GM) x sin2

= (21,700,800 x 26,0002 / 1.408x1016) x sin(89) x cos(89)

/ [(21,700,800 x 26,0002 / 1.408x1016) x sin2(89) - 1]

- 1]

= arctan(0.437)
= 23.6o

PROBLEM 1.11

Calculate the escape velocity of a spacecraft launched from the surface of the earth.
Likewise, calculate the escape velocity from the surface of the moon where the mass of
the moon is 0.0123 times the mass of the earth and the moon's radius is 2,160 miles.

SOLUTION,

Part 1,

Given:

R = 3,960 x 5,280 = 20,908,800 ft

Equation (1.29),
VESC = SQRT[ 2 x GM / R ]
VESC = SQRT[ 2 x 1.408x1016 / 20,908,800 ]
VESC = 36,700 ft/s
Part 2,
Given:

R = 2,160 x 5,280 = 11,404,800 ft

GM = 1.408x1016 x 0.0123 = 1.732x1014

Eq. (1.29),
VESC = SQRT[ 2 x 1.732x1014 / 11,404,800 ]
VESC = 5,510 ft/s

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Example Problems

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PROBLEM 1.12

A spacecraft is in a circular earth orbit with an altitude of 150 miles. Calculate the
delta v's required to change to a circular orbit with an altitude of 250 miles.

SOLUTION,

Initial orbit,
Given:

r1 = (3,960 + 150) x 5,280 = 21,700,800 ft

Equation (1.6),
v1 = SQRT[ GM / r1 ]
v1 = SQRT[ 1.408x1016 / 21,700,800 ]
v1 = 25,470 ft/s
Final orbit,
Given:

r2 = (3,960 + 250) x 5,280 = 22,228,800 ft

Eq. (1.6),
v2 = SQRT[ GM / r2 ]
v2 = SQRT[ 1.408x1016 / 22,228,800 ]
v2 = 25,170 ft/s
Transfer orbit,
Given:

Rp = r1 = 21,700,800 ft
Ra = r2 = 22,228,800 ft

Equations (1.16) and (1.17),

Vp = SQRT[ 2 x GM x Ra / (Rp x (Ra + Rp)) ]
Vp = SQRT[ 2 x 1.408x1016 x 22,228,800 / (21,700,800 x (22,228,800 + 21,700,800)) ]
Vp = 25,620 ft/s
Va = SQRT[ 2 x GM x Rp / (Ra x (Ra + Rp)) ]
Va = SQRT[ 2 x 1.408x1016 x 21,700,800 / (22,228,800 x (22,228,800 + 21,700,800)) ]
Va = 25,020 ft/s
v, 1st burn = Vp - v1
v = 25,620 - 25,470
v = 150 ft/s

v, 2nd burn = v2 - Va
v = 25,170 - 25,020
v = 150 ft/s

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Example Problems

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PROBLEM 1.13

A Saturn V launch vehicle's first stage cuts off at an altitude of 38 miles and a
velocity of 6,100 mph. Calculate the air drag on the vehicle at burnout. Assume
the vehicle's maximum diameter is 33 feet and the angle of attack is zero.

SOLUTION,
Given:

Altitude = 38 x 5280 = 200,640 ft

v = 6,100 x 5,280 / 3,600 = 8,950 ft/s
A =

x (33 / 2)2 = 855 ft2

From Physical Properties of Standard Atmosphere,

T = 457o R

= 5.270x10-7 slug/ft3

Equations (1.32) and (1.31),

c = SQRT[ k x R x T ]
c = SQRT[ 1.40 x 1,715 x 457]
c = 1,050 ft/s
Nm = v / c
Nm = 8,950 / 1,050
Nm = 8.5
From Drag Coefficients as a function of Mach number,
CD = 0.25

(assume sharp-nose projectile)

Equation (1.30),
FD = CD x
x (v2 / 2) x A
FD = 0.25 x 5.270x10-7 x (8,9502 / 2) x 855
FD = 4,510 lb

PROBLEM 2.1

A spacecraft weighing 50,000 lb (including fuel) is drifting in gravity-free space.

Its engine is fired for 3 minutes. During the burn, mass is ejected at a rate of 70
lb/s with an exhaust velocity of 10,000 ft/s. Calculate the spacecraft's thrust and
acceleration as a function of time during the burn.

SOLUTION,
Given:

M_initial = 50,000 / 32.2 = 1,553 slugs

dM/dt = -70 / 32.2 = -2.17 slugs/s
Vrel = -10,000 ft/s

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Equation (2.5),
M x (dv/dt) = Vrel x (dM/dt)
where

F = Vrel x dM/dt
M = M_initial + (dM/dt x t)
a = dv/dt = (Vrel x dM/dt) / M

Thrust,
F = -10,000 x -2.17
F = 21,700 lb
Acceleration @ t = 0,
a = 21,700 / (1,553 + (-2.17 x 0))
a = 14.0 ft/s2
Acceleration @ t = 180,
a = 21,700 / (1,553 + (-2.17 x 180))
a = 18.7 ft/s2

PROBLEM 2.2

A rocket with an initial mass of 30,000 kg is launched vertically upward. Propellant

is consumed at a constant rate of 170 kg/s and is ejected at a velocity of 2,300 m/s
relative to the rocket. The rocket's supply of propellant will be exhausted after a
burn of 150 seconds. Calculate the velocity of the rocket at burnout.

SOLUTION,
Given:

M = 30,000 kg
q = 170 kg/s
Ve = 2,300 m/s
t = 150 s

Equation (2.13),
v = Ve x LOG[ M / (M - qt) ] - g x t
v = 2,300 x LOG[ 30,000 / (30,000 - (170 x 150)) ] - (9.81 x 150)
v = 2,890 m/s

PROBLEM 2.3

Calculate the altitude of the rocket in problem 2.2 at the time of engine burnout.

SOLUTION,
Given:

M = 30,000 kg
q = 170 kg/s

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Ve = 2,300 m/s
t = 150 s

Equation (2.14),
d = Ve x { t + t x LOG[ M / (M - qt) ] + M x LOG[ (M - qt) / M ] / q } - g x t2 / 2
d = 2,300 x { 150 + 150 x LOG[ 30,000 / (30,000 - (170 x 150)) ]
+ 30,000 x LOG[ (30,000 - (170 x 150)) / 30,000 ] / 170 } - (9.81 x 1502 / 2)
d = 119,100 m

PROBLEM 2.4

A 15,000 kg spacecraft is in earth orbit traveling at a velocity of 7,790 m/s. Its

engine is fired to accelerate it to escape velocity of 11,020 m/s. The engine expels
mass at a rate of 25 kg/s and at a velocity of 3,000 m/s. Calculate the duration of
the burn.

SOLUTION,
Given:

M = 15,000 kg
q = 25 kg/s
Ve = 3,000 m/s

V = 11,020 - 7,790 = 3,230 m/s

Equation (2.16),
t = M x [ 1 - ( 1 / EXP[
V / Ve ] ) ] / q
t = 15,000 x [ 1 - ( 1 / EXP[ 3,230 / 3,000 ] ) ] / 25
t = 395 s

PROBLEM 2.5

The F-1 engines of the Saturn V first stage operate at a combustion chamber pressure
of 965 psi and a temperature of 5,970 degrees F. The propellant is kerosene and liquid
oxygen at a 2.26 mixture ratio and the nozzle is adapted to operate at sea level.
Calculate the ideal exhaust velocity relative to the rocket. Assume k = 1.20.

SOLUTION,
Given:

O/F = 2.26
Tc = 5,970 + 460 = 6,430o R
Pc = 965 psi
Pe = Pa = 14.7 psi
k = 1.20

Combustion equation,
C12H26 + n x O2
O/F = (n x 32) / (1 x 170) = 2.26

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n = (2.26 x 170) / 32
n = 12
C12H26 + 12 O2 --> 12 CO + 12 H2O + H2

Average molecular weight of exhaust gases,

M = (12 x 28 + 12 x 18 + 1 x 2) / (12 + 12 + 1) = 22.2
Equation (2.17),
Ve = SQRT[ (2 x k / (k - 1)) x (R' x Tc / M) x (1 - (Pe / Pc)(k-1)/k) ]
Ve = SQRT[ (2 x 1.20 / (1.20 - 1)) x (49,720 x 6,430 / 22.2)
x (1 - (14.7 / 965)(1.20-1)/1.20) ]
Ve = 9,315 ft/s

PROBLEM 2.6

The first stage of the Saturn V produces a thrust of 7,650,000 lb at sea level with
a propellant flow rate of 29,400 lb/s. Calculate the specific impulse and, using the
results from problem 2.5, the engine's efficiency.

SOLUTION,

Part 1,

Given:

F = 7,650,000 lb
q x g = 29,400 lb/s

Equation (2.18),
Isp_Actual = F / (q x g)
Isp_Actual = 7,650,000 / 29,400
Isp_Actual = 260 s (sea level)
Part 2,
Given:

Ve = 9,315 ft/s

For adapted nozzle @ sea level,

Isp_Ideal = Ve / g
Isp_Ideal = 9,315 / 32.2
Isp_Ideal = 289 s (sl)
Efficiency,
Isp_Actual / Isp_Ideal = 260 / 289 = 0.90

PROBLEM 2.7

A rocket engine uses kerosene and liquid oxygen propellant. It operates at a mixture
ratio of 2.54, a combustion chamber pressure of 5 MPa, and temperature of 3,300 degrees C.

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The propellant flow rate is 350 kg/s.

Assume k = 1.20.

Calculate the area of the exhaust nozzle throat.

SOLUTION,
Given:

O/F = 2.54
Tc = 3,300 + 273 = 3,573o K
Pc = 5 MPa = 5x106 N/m2
k = 1.20
q = 350 kg/s

Combustion equation,
C12H26 + n x O2
O/F = (n x 32) / (1 x 170) = 2.54
n = (2.54 x 170) / 32
n = 13.5
C12H26 + 13.5 O2 --> 2 CO2 + 10 CO + 13H2O
Average molecular weight of exhaust gases,
M = (2 x 44 + 10 x 28 + 13 x 18) / (2 + 10 + 13) = 24.1
Equation (2.20),
Pt = Pc x [1 + (k - 1) / 2]-k/(k-1)
Pt = 5x106 x [1 + (1.20 - 1) / 2]-1.20/(1.20-1)
Pt = 2.82x106 N/m2
Equation (2.21),
Tt = Tc x [1 / (1 + (k - 1) / 2)]
Tt = 3,573 x [1 / (1 + (1.20 - 1) / 2)]
Tt = 3,248o K
Equation (2.19),
At = (q / Pt) x SQRT[ (R' x Tt) / (M x k) ]
At = (350 / 2.82x106) x SQRT[ (8,314 x 3,248) / (24.1 x 1.20) ]
At = 0.120 m2

PROBLEM 2.8

The rocket engine in problem 2.7 is adapted to operate at sea level.

area of the nozzle exit and the section ratio.

Calculate the

SOLUTION,
Given:

Pc = 5 MPa
Pa = 0.1 MPa
At = 0.120 m2
k = 1.20

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Equation (2.22),
Nm2 = (2 / (k - 1)) x [(Pc / Pa)(k-1)/k - 1]
Nm2 = (2 / (1.20 - 1)) x [(5 / 0.1)(1.20-1)/1.20 - 1]
Nm2 = 9.19
Nm = (9.19)1/2 = 3.03
Equation (2.23),
Ae = (At / Nm) x [(1 + (k - 1) / 2 x Nm2)/((k + 1) / 2)](k+1)/(2(k-1))
Ae = (0.120 / 3.03) x [(1 + (1.20 - 1) / 2 x 9.19)/((1.20 + 1) / 2)](1.20+1)/(2(1.20-1))
Ae = 0.845 m2
Section Ratio,
Ae / At = 0.845 / 0.120 = 7.0

by Robert A. Braeunig, 1997.

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