Answer to Question #16626 in Astronomy | Astrophysics for Joe Optical

Question

Describe a transfer orbit from earth to Neptune. Assume that both earth and Neptune have circular orbits , with radii equal to the semi major axes of the respective planets . Of course the transfer orbit is elliptical. Knowing that Neptune's semi major axis is 4497.1*10^6 km and the mass of Neptune over the earth is 17 and the eccentricity of Neptune is .01 determine the following: the semi major axis of the transfer orbit, the speed of a satellite in earths orbit, the speed of the satellite as it enters the transfer orbit, the change in speed needed to enter the transfer orbit, the speed of the satellite as it prepares to leave the transfer orbit, the speed of the ship as it enters Neptune's orbit, the change in speed needed for the satellite to leave the transfer orbit, the travel time of the satellite in years, and the position of Neptune for launch opportunity- in degrees to be traveled.