The space probe Deep Space 1 was launched on October 24, 1998. Its mass was 474
ID: 1639310 • Letter: T
Question
The space probe Deep Space 1 was launched on October 24, 1998. Its mass was 474 kg. The goal of the mission was to test a new kind of engine called an ion propulsion drive. This engine generated only a weak thrust, but it could do so over long periods of time with the consumption of only small amounts of fuel. The mission was spectacularly successful. At a thrust of 56 mN how many days were required for the probe to attain a velocity of 785 m/s (1760 mi/h), assuming that the probe started from rest and that the mass remained nearly constant?
Explanation / Answer
Using Newton's second law:
F = m*a
a = F/m
a = 56*10^-3/(474)
a = 1.18*10^-4 m/sec^2
Now using the equation
V = u + a*t
t = (V - u)/a
t = (785 - 0)/(1.18*10^-4)
t = 6652542.37 sec = 76.99 days
t = 77 days
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