Introduction to Classical Mechanics · Problem 7.18
Angular momentum, Part I (Constant L) — Morin
Physics — Mechanics · gravity-kepler-laws
Problem
Circle to parabola **
A spaceship travels in a circular orbit around a planet. It applies a sudden thrust and increases its speed by a factor f. If the goal is to change the orbit from a circle to a parabola, what should f be if the thrust points in the tangential direction? Is your answer any different if the thrust points in some other direction? What is the distance of closest approach if the thrust points in the radial direction?