From physics, the equation for the free-flight trajectory of a satellite launched a distance r₀ from the center of the earth is given by the polar equation

where M_e is the mass of the earth, G is the gravitational constant, and v₀ is the initial velocity of the satellite. If the initial velocity is equal to the escape velocity (the velocity needed to overcome Earth’s gravitational pull) then the resulting trajectory follows a parabolic path. What is the escape velocity?

Transcribed Image Text:

r GM₂ =(1-CM²+ cose. 1. + GM₂ r²v²