Question

in a futuristic scenario you are assigned the mission of making an enemy satelite that is in a circular orbit around earth inoperative. You know that you can not destroy the satelite, as it is well protected agaisnt attack, but you can try to knock it out of its orbit so it will fly away and never return. WHat is the minimum amount of work applied to the satelite that is required to accomplish that?

Answer 1

Manipulating the satellite's velocity using the vis-viva equation can efficiently alter its orbit with minimal energy input. Ethical and legal considerations must be paramount in futuristic space scenarios.

To alter the orbit of an enemy satellite without destroying it, the minimum amount of work required can be calculated using the vis-viva equation, which relates the orbital velocity, semi-major axis, and gravitational parameter of a celestial body.

By increasing the satellite's velocity, it can be transitioned to a higher orbit, causing it to move away from Earth. The work done (ΔW) is given by the change in kinetic energy, and it can be expressed as ΔW = ΔKE = (1/2) * m * Δv^2, where m is the satellite mass and Δv is the change in velocity.

The required velocity change depends on the desired orbit and the specific characteristics of the satellite. This strategy minimizes the energy input while achieving the objective of rendering the satellite inoperative through orbital displacement. However, ethical and legal considerations should always be prioritized in any futuristic scenario involving space activities.