Orbital Velocity Calculator – Fast & Accurate Tool

Use this tool to calculate the orbital velocity of a satellite around a celestial body based on its altitude and the body’s mass.

How to Use the Orbital Velocity Calculator

To use this calculator, follow these simple steps:

  1. Enter the mass of the central body (e.g., a planet or a star) in kilograms (kg).
  2. Enter the radius of the orbit in meters (m).
  3. Click the “Calculate” button to compute the orbital velocity.
  4. The orbital velocity will be displayed in meters per second (m/s).

How the Calculator Works

This calculator determines the orbital velocity of an object moving around a central body based on two input parameters: the mass of the central body and the orbital radius. The formula used for the calculation is derived from Newton’s law of gravitation:

Orbital Velocity (v) = √(G * M / r)

Where:

  • G is the gravitational constant, approximately equal to 6.67430 × 10-11 m3 kg-1 s-1
  • M is the mass of the central body in kilograms (kg)
  • r is the orbital radius in meters (m)
  • v is the orbital velocity in meters per second (m/s)

Calculator Limitations

It’s important to note the following limitations of this calculator:

  • The calculated orbital velocity assumes a perfectly circular orbit. Elliptical orbits require more complex calculations.
  • Measurements need to be in consistent units (mass in kg and radius in meters) for an accurate result.
  • This calculator does not account for relativistic effects, which can be significant in high-gravity or high-velocity contexts.

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