Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems · Problem 9-12
Motion in a Noninertial Reference Frame — Marion & Thornton
Physics — Mechanics · rocket-motion
Problem
Astronaut Stumblebum wanders too far away from the space shuttle orbiter while repairing a broken communications satellite. Stumblebum realizes that the orbiter is moving away from him at 3 m/s. Stumblebum and his maneuvering unit have a mass of 100 kg, including a pressurized tank of mass 10 kg. The tank includes only 2 kg of gas that is used to propel him in space. The gas escapes with a constant velocity of 100 m/s.
(a) Will Stumblebum run out of gas before he reaches the orbiter?
(b) With what velocity will Stumblebum have to throw the empty tank away to reach the orbiter?