Calculate orbital velocity and period for a satellite at a given altitude above a planet.
Orbital mechanics or astrodynamics is the application of ballistics and celestial mechanics to the practical problems concerning the motion of rockets and other spacecraft.
A circular orbit is achieved when a satellite's forward velocity is perfectly balanced by the planet's gravitational pull, causing it to "fall" around the planet continuously.
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) typically ranges from 160 km to 2,000 km. The International Space Station orbits at approximately 400 km.
A geostationary orbit (GEO) is a circular orbit 35,786 km above Earth's equator. At this altitude, the orbital period matches Earth's rotation (24 hours).
Related Tools
Calculate your age on different planets.
Calculate Alfven velocity.
Convert astronomical distances.
Calculate black hole collision.
Calculate black hole temperature.
Calculate escape velocity.