Just after launch from the earth the space shuttle orbiter

Last updated: 6/10/2023

Just after launch from the earth the space shuttle orbiter is in the 50 x 136 mi orbit shown At the apogee point A its speed is 17309 mi hr If nothing were done to modify the orbit what would its speed be at the perigee P Neglect aerodynamic drag Note that the normal practice is to add speed at A which raises the perigee altitude to a value that is well above the bulk of the atmosphere The radius of the earth is 3959 mi 50 mi Answer V i 136 mi 17309 mi hr mi hr