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))).
First Burn Delta-V
2,456.58 m/s
First Burn Delta-V vs Initial Orbit Radius
Formula
## 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.
Exemplo Resolvido
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
Perguntas Frequentes
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.