Question: A space probe is to be placed in a circular orbit of radius 2500 mi about the planet Mars. As the probe reaches A, the
A space probe is to be placed in a circular orbit of radius 2500 mi about the planet Mars. As the probe reaches A, the point of its original trajectory closest to Mars, it is inserted into a first elliptic transfer orbit by reducing its speed. This orbit brings it to point B with a much reduced velocity. There the probe is inserted into a second transfer orbit by further reducing its speed. Knowing that the mass of Mars is 0.1074 times the mass of the earth, that rA = 5625 mi and rB = 112,500 mi, and that the probe approaches A on a parabolic trajectory, determine the time needed for the space probe to travel from A to B on its first transferorbit.

Second transfer orbit First transfer orbit 2500 ml Approach trajectory A
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For earth R 3960 mi 20909 106 ft GM gR 32220909 10 For Mars GM 01074 1407... View full answer
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