The orbit of the International Space Station (ISS)

Let's start out by looking at the physics behind the orbit of the International Space Station.

ISS circles the Earth at an altitude of about H = 350 km. Let's call its mass m.

1. What is the separation R between the center of mass of the Earth and ISS?
2. What is the force of gravity on ISS?
3. What is the acceleration of ISS due to this force?
4. What is the speed v of the ISS in its orbit?
5. What is the period P of the orbit?

For more information

• ISS information from NASA's Human Space Flight Center
• ISS information from the European Space Agency

Copyright © Michael Richmond. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.