1. What is Orbital Velocity?

Orbital velocity is the speed at which a satellite or other body travels around another body in a stable orbit. It depends on the mass of the central body and the distance from its center.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the orbital velocity equation:

Where:

• \( v \) — Orbital velocity (m/s)
• \( \mu \) — Standard gravitational parameter (m³/s²)
• \( r \) — Orbital radius (distance from center of mass) (m)

Explanation: The equation shows that orbital velocity decreases with increasing orbital radius and increases with greater gravitational parameter.

3. Importance of Orbital Velocity Calculation

Details: Calculating orbital velocity is essential for satellite deployment, space mission planning, and understanding celestial mechanics.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the standard gravitational parameter (μ) in m³/s² and orbital radius in meters. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the standard gravitational parameter (μ)?
A: It's the product of the gravitational constant (G) and the mass of the celestial body (M). For Earth, μ ≈ 3.986×10¹⁴ m³/s².

Q2: Does this work for circular orbits only?
A: This equation gives the circular orbital velocity. For elliptical orbits, the velocity varies throughout the orbit.

Q3: What units should I use?
A: Use meters for distance and m³/s² for μ to get velocity in m/s.

Q4: How does altitude affect orbital velocity?
A: Higher altitude (greater r) results in lower orbital velocity.

Q5: Can I use this for planets orbiting the Sun?
A: Yes, using the Sun's gravitational parameter (μ ≈ 1.327×10²⁰ m³/s²).