Also, it's not so simple because of the Oberth effect. It takes much less delta-v to go between an interplanetary transfer orbit and orbit around a planet than it does to go between that transfer orbit and a point in open space.
Think of a planetary orbit as zooming around a racetrack. It doesn't take as much delta-v to slow down to it or speed up from it because there's already some velocity just going around and around. The true orbital mechanics are a bit more complicated than that, but it should give you an intuitive idea.
Remember plane change costs. Mercury's orbit is the most inclined of the planets.
I'm a student of Aerospace engineering currently working on my thesis.Assumption is to put rocket of certain mass and payload into 600 km LEO . how to determine if 2 or 3 stages should be used? Is Tsiolkovsky equation enough? How to calculated velocities of each stage and total velocity taking into consideration earth rotation.I would greatly appreciate your help as well as proper book suggestion.
thanks for these suggestions, but still strugglingto find the answer...
... rockets performdifferently at sea level pressure as compared to vacuum of space- so first stage can have rocket nozzle optimized for in atmosphere, and second stage made to function best in vacuum of space environment.
NASA's GMAT software looks like it can be used to answer the question with high fidelity, but it isn't particularly easy to use.
how do i calculate the component of velocity comming from earth rotation?
I would realy appreciate if someone could post some real calculations insted of basic theoretical description.
Quote from: baldusi on 05/22/2013 03:38 amRemember plane change costs. Mercury's orbit is the most inclined of the planets.Hmm. That's kind of neat. It's an added element in terms of getting to Mercury.But also seems like it gives more options in terms destination, which may be at inclination [a lot space rocks]. You can leave [or arrive] at Mercury at a zero inclination, but you leave [or arrive] at a 7 inclination to solar planetary disk.