SSPI Orbital Mechanics & Spacecraft Operations

Question 1

What is the orbital period of a geostationary satellite?

Accepted Answer

23 hours 56 minutes

Answer

A geostationary satellite has a sidereal period of approximately 23 hours 56 minutes (one sidereal day), which keeps it fixed over a point on the equator.

Question 2

At what altitude do geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites operate?

Accepted Answer

35,786 km

Answer

GEO satellites orbit at approximately 35,786 km above the equator, where their orbital period matches Earth's rotation.

Question 3

Which orbital parameter describes the shape of a satellite's orbit?

Accepted Answer

Eccentricity

Answer

Eccentricity defines the shape of the orbit, with 0 being a perfect circle and values approaching 1 representing increasingly elongated ellipses.

Question 4

What is the purpose of a Hohmann transfer orbit?

Accepted Answer

To efficiently move a satellite between two circular orbits

Answer

A Hohmann transfer orbit uses two engine burns to move a spacecraft between two circular orbits using an intermediate elliptical path, minimizing propellant use.

Question 5

Which Keplerian element defines the tilt of a satellite's orbital plane relative to the equator?

Accepted Answer

Inclination

Answer

Inclination is the angle between the orbital plane and Earth's equatorial plane, ranging from 0° (equatorial) to 90° (polar) and beyond.

(SSPI) Society of Satellite Professionals International Certification Practice Test

(SSPI) Society of Satellite Professionals International Certification Practice Test

SSPI Orbital Mechanics & Spacecraft Operations