4 ms·
Depends on the plane. Inclination changes are expensive, so if you want different inclinations, it almost always makes sense to use a separate launch vehicle f
by Sanzig 6y ago
Depends on the plane.
Inclination changes are expensive, so if you want different inclinations, it almost always makes sense to use a separate launch vehicle for each inclination you want to target.
However, the longitude of the ascending node (Ω) is perturbed by the earth's oblateness, and the rate of Ω precession is a function of the semi-latus rectum (p) and the inclination (i). If you adjust the orbit altitude to tweak p, you can adjust the precession rate to swing the plane around to where you want it.
This takes a while (months), and you of course need some sort of propulsion on the spacecraft to return you to your target altitude after the maneuver, but if the launch vehicle can drop you into the higher/lower altitude above/below the target plane rather than doing that on-board the spacecraft, the delta-v cost is halved.
- sandworm101 6y agoI would call that on-orbit maneuvers rather than part of the launch process. This rocket will drop the sat off at the contracted orbit and fly away. Multiple engine firings will mean separate customers can get at best separate altitudes.