The space probe Deep Space 1 was launched on October 24, 1998. Its mass was 474

Question

The space probe Deep Space 1 was launched on October 24, 1998. Its mass was 474 kg. The goal of the mission was to test a new kind of engine called an ion propulsion drive. This engine generated only a weak thrust, but it could do so over long periods of time with the consumption of only small amounts of fuel. The mission was spectacularly successful. At a thrust of 56 mN how many days were required for the probe to attain a velocity of 765 m/s (1710 mi/h), assuming that the probe started from rest and that the mass remained nearly constant?

Explanation / Answer

From impulse, we have F = mdV/dT so that dT = mdV/F = 474*765/56E-3 = 6.475 E6 seconds. ANS.

Let's do this in months as seconds are not very insightful. 12*6.475E6/(365.25*24*3600) = 2.574340254 = 2.462. months.

As Dory said to Nemo's dad, "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming...."

BTW testing the ion drive was but one of the goals. The other was to do fly bys and take close up pictures of comets.

Please check the calculations if required.

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