Dynamics 2e 1139
Problem 5.190
The optimal way (from an energy standpoint) to transfer from one
circular orbit about a primary body (in this case, the Sun) to another
circular orbit is via the Hohmann transfer, which involves trans-
ferring from one circular orbit to another using an elliptical orbit
that is tangent to both at the periapsis and apoapsis of the ellipse.
This ellipse is uniquely defined because we know the perihelion
radius
re
(the radius of the inner circular orbit) and the aphelion
radius
rj
(the radius of the outer circular orbit), and therefore we
know the semimajor axis
a
via Eq. (5.88) and the eccentricity
e
via
Eq. (5.87) or Eqs. (5.90). Performing a Hohmann transfer requires
two maneuvers, the first to leave the inner (outer) circular orbit and
enter the transfer ellipse and the second to leave the transfer ellipse
and enter the outer (inner) circular orbit. Assume that the orbits of
Earth and Jupiter are circular, use
150⇥106km
for the radius of
Earth’s orbit, use
779⇥106km
for the radius of Jupiter’s orbit, and
note that the mass of the Sun is 333;000 times that of the Earth.
A space probe
S2
is at Jupiter and is required to return to the
radius of Earth’s orbit about the Sun so that it can return samples
taken from one of Jupiter’s moons. Assuming that the mass of the
probe is
722 kg
, determine the change in kinetic energy required at
Jupiter
Tj
for the maneuver at aphelion. In addition, determine
the change in kinetic energy required at Earth
Te
for the perihe-
lion maneuver. Finally, what is the change in potential energy
V
of the spacecraft in going from Jupiter to the Earth?
Solution
We start with computing the speed corresponding to a circular orbit with the same radius as Jupiter’s orbit.
Using Eq. (5.82) on p. 388 of the textbook, we have
E
of McGraw-Hill, and must be surrendered upon request of McGraw-Hill. Any duplication or distribution, either in print or electronic form, without the
permission of McGraw-Hill, is prohibited.