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Calcimator

Orbital Transfer Calculator

Calculate Hohmann transfer orbit parameters including delta-V requirements and transfer time between two circular orbits.

Inputs

mi
mi
m³/s²

Results

First Burn ΔV₁

2,399.35 m/s

Total ΔV

3,856.58 m/s

Second Burn ΔV₂1,457.23 m/s
Transfer Time317.34 min
Transfer Semi-Major Axis24,464 km
How to Use This Calculator
  1. Enter the initial orbit altitude (km) and desired final orbit altitude (km) above the central body.
  2. Set the gravitational parameter (µ) for Earth (398,600 km³/s²) or another body.
  3. Review the two required delta-V burns (ΔV₁ and ΔV₂ in km/s) and total ΔV.
  4. Use transfer time (hours) and semi-major axis to plan mission scheduling and propellant loading.

How the result changes with Gravitational Parameter (μ)

Gravitational Parameter (μ)First Burn ΔV₁Total ΔV
10,000,000,000,000,000,000380,036.32 m/s610,848.18 m/s
34,999,999,999,999,996,000710,982.86 m/s1,142,792.29 m/s
65,000,000,000,000,000,000968,906.31 m/s1,557,363.38 m/s
90,000,000,000,000,000,0001,140,108.97 m/s1,832,544.53 m/s

What each input means

Initial Orbit Altitude
Altitude of the starting circular orbit above Earth's surface in kilometers.
Final Orbit Altitude
Altitude of the target circular orbit above Earth's surface in kilometers.
Gravitational Parameter (μ)
Standard gravitational parameter of the central body. Default is Earth (3.986×10¹⁴ m³/s²).

How this is calculated

Worked example, using the default values

  1. Identify Input Parameters
    Initial Orbit Altitude = 400, Final Orbit Altitude = 35786, Gravitational Parameter (μ) = 398600000000000 = 3 input(s) provided
  2. Calculate First Burn ΔV₁
    First Burn ΔV₁ = Math
    2399.35 = 2399.35
  3. Calculate Total ΔV
    Total ΔV
    3856.58 = 3856.58
  4. Calculate Second Burn ΔV₂
    Second Burn ΔV₂ = Math
    1457.23 = 1457.23
  5. Calculate Transfer Time
    Transfer Time
    317.34 = 317.34

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