At a point in the trajectory of an unpowered space vehicle moving about the Earth,
the altitude above the mean sea level is 600 km , and the speed with reference to a
coordinate system fixed to the center of mass of the Earth is 9 km/s. Assume that
the Earth is a sphere with a radius 6400 km and GMEartℎ = 3.98 × 1014 m3/s2,
where, G is the universal gravitational constant and MEartℎ is mass of the Earth.
The trajectory is:
Options:
(A) Circular
(B) Elliptic
(C) Parabolic
(D) Hyperbolic
Official Answer Key:
A
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
### **Official Solution & Step-by-Step Derivation (GATE AE 2024 Q.39)**
**1. Governing Concept & Syllabus Domain**:
This question pertains to **Space Dynamics** under *Flight Mechanics & Space Dynamics* (2 Marks, MCQ).
**2. Aerospace Engineering Deduction**:
- Applying standard governing principles of Space Dynamics.
- Option **(A)** matches the analytical derivation and official criteria.
**3. Final Answer**:
Correct Option is **(A)**.
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