Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Launch, Launch through Orbit Discussion |
Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Launch, Launch through Orbit Discussion |
Jun 12 2009, 09:05 PM
Post
#1
|
|
Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 1018 Joined: 29-November 05 From: Seattle, WA, USA Member No.: 590 |
Since the LRO passed its Mission Rehersal today and is on track to launch on Wednesday next week, it seems like a good time to start a thread about the launch.
http://lunar.gsfc.nasa.gov/launch.html From the link above, there will be a pre-launch webcast on Tuesday morning. The launch is scheduled for 3:51 PM EDT (12:51 PDT) which is 1951 GMT Wednesday June 17. [Corrected -- thanks Gsnorgathon!] When it actually starts sending back pictures, someone should probably start a separate thread, but I think it makes sense to have the launch discussion separate from both the Development and the Cool Pictures threads. --Greg |
|
|
Jun 19 2009, 07:45 PM
Post
#2
|
|
Member Group: Members Posts: 279 Joined: 19-August 07 Member No.: 3299 |
About the speed trayectory of LRO/LCROSS from Earth toward Moon, I am still trying to learn and understand its evolution speed. However, I know that the minimum velocity required to escape from Earth gravity is around 11.6 kp/s and I have noticed thru the other source of information that the spacecraft was reducing its speed from 5 kp/s at about 35,000 km from Earth, 4kp/s even further from Earth. Then I tought that the LRO/LCROSS didn't reach the 11.6 kp/s to escape from Earth gravity in its way toward to Moon but at lower speed...
Then I realized the spacecraft speed will be reducing to the minimum speed until the Selene gravity captures it. Is that my tought correct? Thanks for any comments. |
|
|
Jun 19 2009, 08:01 PM
Post
#3
|
|
Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 1453 Joined: 26-July 08 Member No.: 4270 |
Is that my tought correct? Thanks for any comments. Mostly, but when the spacecraft gets closer to Selene, it's gravity will cause LCROSS and LRO to accelerate (as they're then falling toward Selene). -------------------- -- Hungry4info (Sirius_Alpha)
|
|
|
Jun 20 2009, 04:22 PM
Post
#4
|
|
Member Group: Members Posts: 279 Joined: 19-August 07 Member No.: 3299 |
Mostly, but when the spacecraft gets closer to Selene, it's gravity will cause LCROSS and LRO to accelerate (as they're then falling toward Selene). Thanks, so, the conclusion is that the spacecraft LRO/LCROSS didn't reach the speed of Earth's escape gravity since its speed is already decreasing on its way toward to the Moon. When the spacecraft will start to pick up the speed? I tought it would be when the spacecraft is already traveled 5/6 of Earth-Moon distance (320,000 km)? |
|
|
Lo-Fi Version | Time is now: 31st October 2024 - 10:55 PM |
RULES AND GUIDELINES Please read the Forum Rules and Guidelines before posting. IMAGE COPYRIGHT |
OPINIONS AND MODERATION Opinions expressed on UnmannedSpaceflight.com are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of UnmannedSpaceflight.com or The Planetary Society. The all-volunteer UnmannedSpaceflight.com moderation team is wholly independent of The Planetary Society. The Planetary Society has no influence over decisions made by the UnmannedSpaceflight.com moderators. |
SUPPORT THE FORUM Unmannedspaceflight.com is funded by the Planetary Society. Please consider supporting our work and many other projects by donating to the Society or becoming a member. |