Satellites in Orbit

Calculate orbital velocity, escape velocity, orbital period, and orbit height for satellites. Uses physics equations to determine key orbital parameters based on planet radius, orbital radius, and orbital period.

Satellites in Orbit

Orbital velocity of a satellite is at maximum at sea level and decreases with height.

Orbital velocity:

v_s = √(g r_p² / r_s)

where:

  • v_s = orbital velocity (m/s)
  • g = acceleration due to gravity (m/s²)
  • r_p = radius of planet (m)
  • r_s = radius of satellite orbit (m)

Escape velocity:

v_s_escape = √(2 g r_p)

Orbit periodic time:

t_s = 2π √(r_s³ / (g r_p²))

Height of orbit:

h_s = r_p (∛(g t_s² / (4π² r_p)) - 1)

Calculator

Inputs

Results

Orbital velocity-- m/s
Maximum velocity (at sea level)-- m/s
Escape velocity-- m/s
Orbital period-- s
Height of orbit-- m