The International Space Station travels from west to east on an orbital inclination of _____ degrees.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Correct Answer:
Option 1: 51.6
Explanation:
The International Space Station (ISS) orbits Earth at a specific angle called orbital inclination.
Inclination Value: The ISS's orbital inclination is 51.6.
Reason: This specific angle was chosen to make the station accessible to spacecraft launched from both the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Russia and the Kennedy Space Center in the United States.
Coverage: This inclination allows the ISS to pass over approximately 90% of the Earth's inhabited areas, making it very effective for scientific observation.
Additional Facts (ISS Orbit and Travel):
Direction: As mentioned in the question, it travels from west to east. It moves in a prograde orbit, allowing it to take advantage of Earth's velocity at launch.
Altitude: It maintains an altitude of approximately 400 to 420 kilometers. Atmospheric drag causes it to fluctuate, which is corrected by periodic boosts.
Visibility: Its inclination of 51.6 degrees allows it to be seen as a bright moving star in the night sky.
Possible questions for upcoming exams:
Question: How long does the ISS take to complete one revolution around Earth?
Answer: 90-93 minutes (about 15.5 revolutions per day).
Question: Which space agency operates the Mission Control Center (Houston) to control the ISS?
Answer: NASA.
Question: What do the terms 'apogee' and 'perigee' refer to?
Answer: The maximum distance (Apogee) and minimum distance (Perigee) from the Earth in the orbit of a satellite.