1. What is Orbital Speed?

Orbital speed is the velocity at which an object orbits around another object, calculated using the standard gravitational parameter (GM) and the orbital radius. It's fundamental in celestial mechanics and satellite operations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the orbital speed equation:

Where:

• \( v \) — Orbital speed (m/s)
• \( GM \) — Standard gravitational parameter (m³/s²)
• \( r \) — Orbital radius from center of mass (meters)

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

3. Importance of Orbital Speed Calculation

Details: Accurate orbital speed calculation is crucial for satellite deployment, space mission planning, and understanding celestial mechanics. It determines the stability of orbits and required energy for orbital maneuvers.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter GM in m³/s² (3.986×10¹⁴ for Earth) and orbital radius in meters (6.371×10⁶ for low Earth orbit). All values must be positive.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the standard gravitational parameter (GM)?
A: It's the product of the gravitational constant (G) and the mass of the celestial body (M), often known more precisely than either value separately.

Q2: What's Earth's orbital speed around the Sun?
A: Approximately 29.78 km/s, calculated using Sun's GM (1.327×10²⁰ m³/s²) and Earth's orbital radius (1.496×10¹¹ m).

Q3: Does this equation work for elliptical orbits?
A: This gives the circular orbit speed. For elliptical orbits, the speed varies, and you'd need the vis-viva equation.

Q4: What affects orbital speed most significantly?
A: Orbital radius has the greatest effect, as speed is inversely proportional to the square root of radius.

Q5: How does altitude affect orbital speed?
A: Higher altitude (greater radius) means slower orbital speed. For example, geostationary satellites move slower than low Earth orbit satellites.