If the Space Shuttle has a camera pointed towards the Earth. Will it still be pointing at the Earth on the other side of the orbit? Do they have to induce a rotation to make it stay pointed at Earth?
2006-12-09 05:01:45 · 5 answers · asked by Zefram 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
The shuttle goes around the earth in 90 minutes. If it rotates once every 90 minutes as well, it will always have the same side facing us. If not, it can "tumble" slowly or rapidly.
2006-12-09 05:38:25 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If an object has the same rotational rate as the earth it will always have the same side facing the earth. If its rotational rate is faster or slower than the earth's, it will show a different side as it orbits the earth. The rotational rate I am referring to is its spin rate independent of its orbit.
2006-12-09 05:15:40 · answer #2 · answered by jetfighter 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The shuttle's position in orbit is stabilized by small thrusters. Orbiting objects may lock into a particular position if their weight distribution is uneven, otherwise they tend to tumble.
2006-12-09 06:48:17 · answer #3 · answered by injanier 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if the rotation speed of both stays the same, they both show the same side.
2006-12-09 05:33:03 · answer #4 · answered by Sarai 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Simply because one side is affected by gravity and it doesnt rotate.
2006-12-09 05:04:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋