5 ms·
If they orbit in opposite directions, the relative speed is twice the orbital speed. Low earth orbits go in all kinds of directions. In geostationary orbit ever
by TorKlingberg 11y ago
If they orbit in opposite directions, the relative speed is twice the orbital speed. Low earth orbits go in all kinds of directions. In geostationary orbit everything is moving in more or less the same direction and speed.
- peeters 11y agoI really didn't think there was that much variety in LEO due to the cost of launching in a retrograde orbit. I thought it'd be mainly prograde plus some normal velocity due to inclination.
- capnrefsmmat 11y agoThe inclination matters, though. If something heading north at 41 degrees inclination meets something coming south at 41 degrees inclination, it's a serious collision. (And, of course, every satellite has to spend half its orbit going north and half going south)
- TorKlingberg 11y agoRetrograde orbits are uncommon as far as I know, but polar orbits are common for earth observation. A satellite going south could meet one going north. Also unless you launch from the equator inclined orbits are cheaper to reach than equatorial. The ISS for example goes just far enough north to pass the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
- marcosdumay 11y agoIf they are in opposite directions, they also will fail to cause Kessler Syndrome. If a satellite is hit by a debris with opposite velocity, it'll either fall down, or keep a similar but slightly lower and slightly mode dispersed orbit. It's a 90° angle that is the worst.