Orbital Mechanics Visualizer

Use the Orbital Mechanics Visualizer to simulate and explore planetary orbits, spacecraft trajectories, gravity, and orbital motion interactively.

Orbital Mechanics Visualizer — VSAT Reference

🛰️ Orbital Mechanics Visualizer

Simulator #4 — Interactive GEO vs. MEO vs. LEO Comparison

ITU-R P.2109 ITU-R M.1036 Ref: VSAT Book p.3 §1.1.2 Category: Orbital Mechanics

Orbital Velocity

v = √(GM / r)

GM = 3.986 × 10¹⁴ m³/s³, r = R_earth + h [ITU-R P.2109 §1.1.2]

Orbital Period

T = 2π √(r³ / GM)

Kepler's Third Law. GEO: 23h 56m 4s (sidereal)

Propagation Latency

τ = d / c

c = 299,792,458 m/s. GEO round-trip ≈ 477 ms [ITU-R P.2575]

🪐 Select Orbit Type

🌍 Orbital Scale Visualization

Selected: LEO

Alt: 500 km

Vel: 7.62 km/s

Period: 94.6 min

Speed 3×

📊 Full Comparison Table

Parameter	LEO	MEO	GEO

⏱️ Round-Trip Latency Comparison

📈 Altitude vs. Orbital Velocity

🎛️ Advanced Orbital Parameters

Inclination Effects

GEO Inclination

0° (equatorial)

LEO Range

52° – 98°

MEO Range

55° (GPS)

Sun-Synchronous

97.4° – 99°

Eccentricity & VSAT Impact

GEO Eccentricity

≈ 0 (circular)

LEO Eccentricity

0 – 0.25

Doppler Effect

LEO: High

Station Keeping

GEO: Regular

📚 ITU References & Source Documentation

1. ITU-R Recommendation P.2109 — "Propagation data required for earth stations"

Provides orbital mechanics formulas including velocity v = √(GM/r) and period T = 2π√(r³/GM). Defines geostationary parameters (35,786 km, 23h 56m 4s).

2. ITU-R Recommendation P.618 — "Propagation effects relevant to satellite service"

Defines classifications (LEO, MEO, GEO, HEO) and applicable propagation models along with rain attenuation variance.

3. ITU-R Recommendation M.1036 — "Orbital and sub-system parameters"

Defines standard parameters including semi-major axis, eccentricity, inclination, and orbital node tracking for multi-orbit constellations.

Key Constants

GM: 3.986004418 × 10¹⁴ m³/s³ | R_earth: 6,371 km | c: 299,792,458 m/s | GEO Altitude: 35,786 km

Orbital Mechanics Visualizer