Section 2. Satellite Orbits University of Toronto（第二节。）.pdfVIP

Section 2. Satellite Orbits References • Kidder and Vonder Haar: chapter 2 • Stephens: chapter 1, pp. 25-30 • Rees: chapter 9, pp. 174-192 In order to understand satellites and the remote sounding data obtained by instruments located on satellites, we need to know something about orbital mechanics, especially the orbits in which satellites are constrained to move and the geometry with which they view the Earth. 2.1 Orbital Mechanics The use of satellites as platforms for remote sounding is based on some very fundamental physics. Newtons Laws of Motion and Gravitation (1686) → the basis for classical mechanics Laws of motion: (1) Every body continues in its state of rest or of uniform motion in a straight line unless it is compelled to change that state by a force impressed upon it. (2) The rate of change of momentum is proportional to the impressed force and is in the same direction as that force. d(mv ) dv Momentum = mass × velocity, so Law (2) becomes F = = m = a dt dt for constant mass (3) For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Law of gravitation: The force of attraction between any two particles is • proportional to their masses • inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them Gm m i.e. F = 1 2 (treating the masses as points) 2 r where -11 2 2 G = gravitational constant = 6.673 × 10 Nm /kg ___________________________________________________________________________________ PHY 499S – Earth Observations from Space, Sprin