FYKOS Year 25 Series 6 Problem 2 — space station · FYKOS 25 #25.6.2

Physics · mechanics

Problem

Estimate the minimal energy needed to put a space station on an orbit around the Earth. You can work with the values valid for the International Space Station which orbits the Earth at height approximately

h=350\;\mathrm{km}

and has mass

m=450000\;\mathrm{kg}

. Explain why is this estimate minimal and why, in reality, much more energy is needed.

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