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GATE 2023 AE – Question 24

Flight Mechanics & Space Dynamics · Special topics: Equations of motion, Euler angles, longitudinal and lateral-directional modes, Hohmann orbital transfers · 1 mark · Multiple choice

Which one of the following figures represents the qualitative variation of absolute deceleration dV dt with altitude h (measured from the mean sea level) for a space vehicle undergoing a ballistic entry into the Earth’s atmosphere?

source diagram and its labels are reproduced in the attached image.
  1. Option A in the figure
  2. Option B in the figure
  3. Option C in the figure
  4. Option D in the figure

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (D) Option D in the figure

Explanation

Deceleration is small high in the atmosphere, peaks as density grows while speed remains high, and decreases after the vehicle slows. With altitude vertical, D shows this intermediate-altitude maximum.