Space MIAD Practice Test

If the orbit inclination matches the launch latitude, how many launch opportunities are available?

1. None

2. One

3. Two

4. Three

The correct answer is: One

When the orbit inclination matches the launch latitude, there is only one launch opportunity available for the mission. This is because the satellite's orbit can only align perfectly with the Earth's surface at the launch site when the conditions are met. Launching into an orbit that has the same inclination as the latitude from which it is launched ensures that the satellite can attain its intended trajectory directly after liftoff. In this specific case, if a launch takes place at a latitude of, say, 30 degrees north, the satellite needs to achieve an orbit that also has an inclination of 30 degrees. Under these conditions, there is only one point in the daily rotation of the Earth when the launch site is aligned with the desired orbital path, which leads to the singular opportunity to launch during that window. This fact stems from the mathematical principles of orbital mechanics, where the relationship between Earth’s rotation and the inclination of the orbit determines the availability of suitable launch windows, resulting in just one chance to successfully launch into that particular orbital path.