Elliptical Orbit

If the Space Shuttle were to make a maintenance trip out to a satellite in geo-synchronous orbit, the Shuttle would need to enter into an elliptical orbit around the earth. That trajectory could be described by this equation:

Elliptical Orbit Equation

Subject: Algebra
Topics:
- Coordinate Systems
- Expressions and Equations
Grades: 6 - 9
Knowledge and Skills:
- Can evaluate expressions by substituting values for variables
- Can simplify expressions using correct order of operations
- Can plot a point in a two-dimensional coordinate system, given the coordinates, or determine the coordinates of a given point

Download Teacher Guide: Elliptical Orbit (PDF)
Download Student Activity: Elliptical Orbit (PDF)

Algebra in the Real World Movie:

Communications SatellitesCommunications Satellites

It takes a sophisticated network of hundreds of communication satellites orbiting the earth to connect the dots of the global economy. It’s a field that relies on everything from variables to patterns and measurement to space science.
Running time 2:43 minutes.

Watch the Movie