ASTRODYNAMICS 1ST EDITION BY
DAVID B SPENCER AND DAVIDE
CONTE 2026 COMPLETE EXAM
QUESTIONS SOLUTIONS GRADED A+
◉ Specific orbital energy for an elliptical orbit.
Answer: ϵ = -μ / (2a)
◉ General specific orbital energy equation.
Answer: ϵ = (v^) - (μ / r)
◉ Gravitational parameter definition.
Answer: μ = G M
◉ Conic orbit equation.
Answer: r = p / (1 + e cos θ)
◉ Meaning of p in conic equation.
Answer: Semi-latus rectum
◉ Semi-latus rectum relation.
Answer: p = a(1 - e^2)
, ◉ Orbit eccentricity meaning.
Answer: Describes shape of orbit (circle, ellipse, parabola, hyperbola)
◉ Eccentricity ranges.
Answer: Circle: e = 0, Ellipse: 0 < e < 1, Parabola: e = 1, Hyperbola: e >
1
◉ Center of mass equation.
Answer: r_C = (1/M) Σ m_i r_i
◉ Total mass definition.
Answer: M = Σ m_i
◉ Newton's second law for particle i.
Answer: m_i a_i = Σ F_i ext + Σ F_ij int
◉ Internal forces definition.
Answer: Forces between particles in the system
◉ External forces definition.
Answer: Forces from outside the system