Orbital Lifetime Calculator

Orbital decay time from altitude and ballistic coefficient.

Orbital altitude (km)

Spacecraft mass (kg)

Cross-section area (m²)

Drag coefficient

Solar activity (0-2)

Tab to move between fields

Orbital lifetime (days)

1,560,000,000

Orbital lifetime (years)

4,280,000

Ballistic coefficient (kg/m²)18.18

Atmospheric density (kg/m³)0

Orbital period (min)92.41

Decay rate (km/day)0

Complies with 25-yr ruleNo

Orbital Radius6,771,000

Decay Rate Ms0%

How to Use This Calculator

Enter orbital altitude (km), spacecraft mass (kg), and projected cross-section area (m²).
Set the drag coefficient (typically 2.0–2.5 for most spacecraft shapes).
Select solar activity level (low, moderate, or high) — solar maximum significantly increases drag.
Review ballistic coefficient (kg/m²), atmospheric density, orbital period, and lifetime in days and years.
For debris mitigation compliance, orbital lifetime must be below 25 years for LEO objects.

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