What Is the Keplerian Circular Orbit Velocity & Period Calculator?
Orbital period and velocity describe the speed and duration required for a spacecraft to orbit a planet at constant altitude.
How Does the Keplerian Circular Orbit Velocity & Period Calculator Work?
Equates gravitational acceleration g = mu/r^2 to centripetal acceleration a = v^2/r.
Keplerian Circular Orbit Velocity & Period Calculator Formula & Variables
The core mathematical equation utilized by this calculator is expressed as:
v = sqrt{ rac{mu}{r}}, quad T = 2pi sqrt{ rac{r^3}{mu}}, quad r = R + h
Circular orbital speed and orbital period from Kepler Third Law.
How to Use the Keplerian Circular Orbit Velocity & Period Calculator
- Input satellite altitude above ground, planetary radius, and planetary gravitational parameter.
Step-by-Step Example Calculation
International Space Station (ISS) Orbit
Input Values:
orbitAltitudeKm:420
centralBodyRadiusKm:6378.14
standardGravParamKm3S2:398600.44
Worked Steps: Speed = 7.66 km/s, Period = 92.96 minutes, completing 15.49 orbits per day.
Understanding Your Result
Shows speed in km/s, orbital period in minutes and hours, and number of passes per day.
Factors That Affect the Result
- Atmospheric drag at low altitudes (< 500 km) causes orbital decay over time.
When Should You Use This Calculator?
- Ground track planning, communications constellation sizing (LEO vs MEO vs GEO), and earth observation revisit rates.
Assumptions & Limitations
- Assumes circular orbit around a spherically symmetric central mass (two-body problem).
Frequently Asked Questions
Calculation Accuracy & Reference Note
Standard two-body celestial mechanics.