Page 46 - Life beyond the Karman

Space orbits
An orbit is a regular, repeating path that one object in space takes around another one. An object in an orbit is called a satellite. A satellite can be natural, like Earth or the moon. Many planets have moons that orbit them. A satellite can also be human-made, like the International Space Station.
Planets, comets, asteroids and other objects in the solar system orbit the sun. Most of the objects orbiting the sun move along or close to an imaginary flat surface that is called the ecliptic plane.
Types of orbits
Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
The LEO is the first 100 to 200 miles (161 to 322 km) of space. It is commonly used for communication and remote sensing satellite systems. It is the easiest orbit to get to and stay in. One complete orbit in LEO takes about 90 minutes.
Medium Earth Orbit
An MEO comprises a wide range of orbits anywhere between Low Earth Orbit and Geostationary Earth Orbit. It is used by a
variety of satellites with many different applications. An MEO is commonly used for navigation systems, including the Global Positioning Systems.
Geosynchronous Orbit (GSO) & Geostationary Orbit (GEO)
Objects in the GSO have an orbital speed that matches the planets like Earth’s rotation, yielding a consistent position over a single longitude. They commonly orbit Earth’s equator, and from the ground, they appear in a fixed position in the sky. The GSO and GEO are used for telecommunications and Earth observation.
Polar Orbit
Within 30 degrees of the Earth’s poles, the polar orbit is used for satellites providing reconnaissance, weather tracking, measuring atmospheric conditions, and long-term Earth observation. Instead of going around the Earth’s equator, a satellite’s orbit can be tipped up to go over the north and south poles.
Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO)
A type of polar orbit, SSO objects are synchronous with the sun, such that they pass over an Earth region at the same local time every day.
Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO)
An HEO is oblong, with one end nearer the Earth and the other more distant. Satellites in HEO are suited for communications, satellite radio, remote sensing and other applications.
Space rockets
A rocket is a vehicle that uses rocket propulsion to accelerate without using the surrounding air.
Rockets are used to propel spacecrafts out of Earth’s atmosphere. The rocket itself doesn’t necessarily enter space; it’s the spacecraft that goes into orbit or travels to other celestial bodies.
Parts of a Rocket
• Structural system • Payload system
• Guidance system
• Propulsion system
Structural System
The structure of a rocket is critical for a successful launch, and it is often based on the fuselage design of an airplane. This design includes elongated “stringers” running from top to bottom, connected to circular “hoops,” providing the rocket with the strength to withstand the intense forces during launch.
The materials used to build the rocket’s backbone are lightweight yet strong, such as advanced composites, aluminium-lithium alloys, or titanium.
The different components of the structure:
Nose Cone
The rocket’s tip is shaped like a cone to control incoming airflow and reduce aerodynamic drag. The outside is designed to endure the high temperatures caused by aerodynamic heating.
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LIFE BEYOND THE KÁRMÁN LINE - OUTER SPACE