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The orbit of the International Space Station (ISS)

Let's start out by looking at the physics behind the orbit of the International Space Station.

ISS is far above the surface of the Earth, at an altitude of about H = 350 km. Let's call its mass m.

  1. What is the separation R between the center of mass of the Earth and ISS?

  2. Draw a free-body diagram showing all the forces acting on the ISS.
  3. Make a table showing all the forces acting on the ISS.

    4. Suppose that the ISS were held motionless at this position, and then released.

  4. What would happen to the space station?
  5. What would its acceleration be just after it was released?

    6. In real life, of course, the ISS isn't motionless; instead, it is moving around the Earth in a circular path with a pretty fast speed.

  6. What is the speed v of the ISS in its orbit?
  7. What is the period P of the orbit?

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Creative Commons License Copyright © Michael Richmond. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.