In the final configuration, the International Space Station will have a mass of

Question

In the final configuration, the International Space Station will have a mass of approximately 925,000 lb_m. In orbit, it is on average about 220 miles above the surface of the Earth, and it travels at 4.8 miles per second. On a clear day, it is easily visible to the naked eye from the ground. The mean diameter of the Earth is approximately 7918 miles. a. What would be the weight in lb_f of the completed ISS on Earth at sea level? b. What would be the weight in lb_f of the completed ISS in orbit? c. What is the mass in kg?

Explanation / Answer

ms = mass of space station = 925000 lb

a)

on earth , g = acceleration due to gravity = 32.2

hence the weight is given as

Ws = ms g = (925000) (32.2) = 2.98 x 107 lbf

b)

R = radius of earth = 7918/2 miles = (7918/2) (1609.3) = 6.4 x 106 m

r = radius of orbit = (7918/2 + 220) miles = (7918/2 + 220) (1609.3) = 6.73 x 106 m

In the orbit , acceleration due to gravity is given as

g' = gR2/r2

g' = 32.2 ((6.4 x 106 )/(6.73 x 106 ))2 = 29.12

weight is given as

Ws' = 925000 (29.12) = 2.7 x 107 lbf

c)

ms = mass of space station = 925000 lb = (925000) (0.454) = 4.2 x 105 kg

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