Slides 2 - Space Op

These flashcards cover key concepts related to space operations and celestial mechanics as discussed in the lecture.

What is one of Kepler's Laws regarding planetary orbits?

The orbit of a planet is an ellipse with the Sun at one of the two foci.

What does eccentricity indicate in orbital mechanics?

Eccentricity describes how much an orbit deviates from being circular.

Which two systems are known for geolocating ADS-B signals?

Spire and Aireon.

What is the average cruising speed of a Boeing 747?

580 mph.

What do Kepler's Laws help us understand about celestial mechanics?

They describe the orbits of planets and the relationships between their periods and distances from the Sun.

What is the semi-major axis in orbital mechanics?

The longest diameter of an ellipse, which is half the distance between the furthest points (aphelion and perihelion) of the orbit.

What kind of motion can Keplerian paths follow?

Elliptical, parabolic, or hyperbolic paths.

What does the first law of Kepler state?

A line joining a planet and the Sun sweeps out equal areas during equal intervals of time.

What is one of the challenges in tracking aircraft in the EU?

Determining whether to account for potential EU member countries.

What are the types of instruments discussed for tracking aircraft from space?

Optical, RF Signals, and Infrared (IR).