How does a spacecraft outside an atmosphere measure altitude? i mean when airpressure isnt part of the equation, for example on the moon or outside the atmospere of a planetary body
2006-09-29 21:44:41 · 4 answers · asked by kent_thoresen 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Altitude is a measure distance from a baseline (earth, sea level or the moon or mars). Many devices us air pressure because it is convenient though not particularly accurate. It can also be measured by laser sighting devices, triangulation, sonar, radar, etc.
2006-09-29 21:59:57 · answer #1 · answered by deepndswamps 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I dont know if it is altitude at that point. But I would say it is the distance of how far away from the earths surface you are. But really I dont know.
2006-09-29 21:53:12 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
GPS satellites are a lot higher than low orbit, so they work OK where people go up there.
2006-09-30 08:35:54 · answer #3 · answered by Nomadd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i know this one. it's called "distance from".
2006-09-29 21:57:24 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋