1. What Is Orbital Velocity?

Orbital velocity is the minimum velocity required for an object to maintain a stable orbit around a celestial body. It represents the speed at which the centripetal force of the orbiting object equals the gravitational force exerted by the central body.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the orbital velocity formula:

Where:

• \( v \) — Orbital velocity (m/s)
• \( G \) — Gravitational constant (6.67430 × 10⁻¹¹ m³/kg s²)
• \( M \) — Mass of the central body (kg)
• \( r \) — Orbital radius (distance from center of mass) (m)

Explanation: This formula calculates the velocity needed for an object to maintain a circular orbit around a celestial body, balancing gravitational pull with centrifugal force.

3. Importance Of Orbital Velocity Calculation

Details: Calculating orbital velocity is essential for space mission planning, satellite deployment, and understanding celestial mechanics. It helps determine appropriate speeds for objects to achieve and maintain stable orbits around planets, moons, or stars.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter the gravitational constant (typically 6.67430 × 10⁻¹¹ m³/kg s²), the mass of the central body in kilograms, and the orbital radius in meters. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does orbital velocity depend on the mass of the orbiting object?
A: No, the orbital velocity formula does not include the mass of the orbiting object. All objects at the same distance from a central body will have the same orbital velocity, regardless of their mass.

Q2: What's the difference between orbital velocity and escape velocity?
A: Orbital velocity is the speed needed to maintain an orbit, while escape velocity is the minimum speed needed to break free from a gravitational field without further propulsion.

Q3: How does altitude affect orbital velocity?
A: As altitude increases, orbital velocity decreases. Objects in higher orbits move slower than those in lower orbits around the same body.

Q4: Is this formula accurate for elliptical orbits?
A: This formula calculates velocity for circular orbits. For elliptical orbits, velocity varies throughout the orbit, and more complex calculations are needed.

Q5: What are typical orbital velocities for Earth satellites?
A: Low Earth orbit satellites typically travel at about 7.8 km/s, while geostationary satellites orbit at approximately 3.1 km/s.