Is the Hohmann transfer always the cheapest?

For two circular coplanar orbits, yes if the ratio r2/r1 is less than about 11.94. Beyond that, a bi-elliptic transfer becomes more efficient.

How long does a Hohmann transfer take?

The transfer time is half the period of the transfer ellipse: t = pi * sqrt((r1+r2)^3 / (8*GM)).

What about plane changes?

Changing orbital inclination requires additional delta-v. Plane changes are very expensive and are often combined with other burns for efficiency.

Free Orbital Manoeuvre Cost Calculator

Calculate the delta-v for a Hohmann transfer between two circular orbits: dv = sqrt(GM/r1) * (sqrt(2r2/(r1+r2)) - 1) + sqrt(GM/r2) * (1 - sqrt(2r1/(r1+r2))).

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Initial Orbit Radius

Target Orbit Radius

Central Body Mass

First Burn Delta-V

2,456.58 m/s

Second Burn Delta-V1,477.97 m/s

Total Delta-V3,934.55 m/s

First Burn Delta-V vs Initial Orbit Radius

View formula & how it works →

Hohmann Transfer Delta-V

The Hohmann transfer is the most fuel-efficient two-burn manoeuvre between coplanar circular orbits.

Formulas

dv1 = sqrt(GM/r1) * [sqrt(2r2/(r1+r2)) - 1]

dv2 = sqrt(GM/r2) * [1 - sqrt(2r1/(r1+r2))]

Total delta-v is the sum of both burns.

Example Calculation

LEO (200 km, r1 = 6571 km) to GEO (r2 = 42164 km) around Earth.

01v1 = sqrt(GM/r1) = sqrt(3.986e14 / 6.571e6) = 7788 m/s
02dv1 = 7788 * (sqrt(2*42164/(6571+42164)) - 1) = 2457 m/s
03v2 = sqrt(GM/r2) = sqrt(3.986e14 / 4.216e7) = 3075 m/s
04dv2 = 3075 * (1 - sqrt(2*6571/(6571+42164))) = 1478 m/s
05Total dv = 2457 + 1478 = 3935 m/s

Free Orbital Manoeuvre Cost Calculator

Hohmann Transfer Delta-V

Formulas

Example Calculation

Frequently Asked Questions

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