3
$\begingroup$

So my google-fu is failing me so I'm hoping someone can help out here.

I've been reading up on chase orbits and how things like the Shuttle, dragon, etc all approach the ISS and I understand the process, what I cannot find are the formulas to work out the distance between the chase spacecraft and the ISS or the per orbit catch up rate.

Can anyone help me find it?

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
6
  • $\begingroup$ Can you be more specific? The distance can be calculated in the same way the distance between any two objects can be calculated. And what is the second parameter "per orbit catch up rate"? Units? $\endgroup$
    – Organic Marble
    Mar 7, 2020 at 14:09
  • $\begingroup$ km, m it doesn't matter. I'm trying to work out how to time the rendezvous. SO, for example, if I'm closing at the rate of 100km per orbit and the ISS is 10,000km away I know it'll take 100 orbits. $\endgroup$
    – Gary Williams
    Mar 7, 2020 at 15:16
  • $\begingroup$ So the unit on your "per orbit catch up rate" is "km per orbit"? $\endgroup$
    – Organic Marble
    Mar 7, 2020 at 15:18
  • $\begingroup$ km per orbit would work for this question, yes. $\endgroup$
    – Gary Williams
    Mar 8, 2020 at 0:13
  • $\begingroup$ slightly related: What is the “ISS's Keep Out Sphere” and what is its radius? $\endgroup$
    – uhoh
    Mar 8, 2020 at 2:06

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1
$\begingroup$

A circular orbit at 400 km height has a period of 1 hour, 32 minutes and 24 seconds. At 302 km it is 1:30:24, only two minutes faster.

If the chaser at 302 km was launched 20 seconds too late, it will need 1/6 of a full orbit to keep up to the target at 400 km, or 15 minutes and 4 seconds. But the target and the chaser are now above the same point on Earth only, the height difference is still 98 km.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.