i just wonder why it takes so long to reach international space station when the satellite is only 400 km above earth (geostationary orbit) as compared to travelling from one place to other on earth takes so much longer ?????
2006-09-20 06:18:53 · 6 answers · asked by Hetal D 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
The ISS is moving at about 5 miles/second. You can't just fly up to it because it isn't stationary. Plus to dock you have to move in real slow for safety and to not affect the orbit.
So the shuttle or the Soyuz launches into the same orbit and comes in slow behind it. The shuttle usually launches in a window that puts it two days to dock. But I think it can be done in hours if they need to.
2006-09-20 09:29:32 · answer #1 · answered by perk 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The station is circling the earth. So when you launch your vehicle you can not go straight to it as you would something on the surface because it keeps moving toward you or away from you depending on your viewpoint.
Once your craft is in orbit your both circling the earth at different heights and speeds, so you still have to get into the same orbit and about the same speed and time it so you both are in the same area at the same time and approach it very slowly.
Since there is no friction to stop/or move you it all has to be done with fuel you have with you.
2006-09-20 06:32:51 · answer #2 · answered by madjer21755 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to get in the same orbit and then match the speed. Then you can catch up with it and start slowing down before you hit it so hard you send it flying out of control and put it in orbit around Mars.. Hey that is an idea.. They live in that thing for as long as a year at a time. So why not hook a rocket on it and blast it to mars.. Humm..
2006-09-20 06:28:16 · answer #3 · answered by Don K 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well, in practice efficiency plays a important role! normally it takes 2 days to dock with the ISS. it can be quicker (greater velocity!) but if u want to do so it requires more fuel to reduce the kinetic energy! that's why it takes 2 days! travelling from 1 place to another on Earth (like a trip!) requires less energy than travelling from height A to Height B (A
2006-09-20 08:05:05
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answer #4
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answered by John123 1
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The return and forth gets into orbit in approximately 8 minutes. as quickly as in orbit the astronauts are loose to go relating to the cabin. the present undertaking replaced into released on a Wednesday around midday and the return and forth finally caught up and docked with the ISS here Saturday morning. . inspite of the great speeds in contact in area operations issues seems to happen very slowly. have you ever tried watching any of it on NASA television? That sucka is nearly a horse tranquilizer. .
2016-10-17 08:21:16 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Politics!!
2014-09-18 02:22:38 · answer #6 · answered by Meh 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋