3D Satellite Orbit Transfer
Example 8.8: Energy changes in orbital transfer - 3D Visualization
Drag to rotate | Scroll to zoom
Results:
Satellite mass: 400 kg
Initial orbit radius: 2RE
Final orbit radius: 4RE
Total Energy Required:
3.13 × 109 J
Change in Kinetic Energy:
-3.13 × 109 J
Change in Potential Energy:
6.25 × 109 J
Class 11 Example 2.4 Simulation: Physics Explained
What This Simulation Shows:
How to calculate the energy needed to move a satellite between different circular orbits around Earth.
Step-by-Step Energy Calculation:
1. Initial Orbit Energy (at 2RE):
Einitial = - (G × ME × m) / (4RE)
2. Final Orbit Energy (at 4RE):
Efinal = - (G × ME × m) / (8RE)
3. Total Energy Needed:
ΔE = (G × ME × m) / (8RE)
Using g = G×ME/RE2:
ΔE = (g × m × RE) / 8
= (9.81 × 400 × 6.37×106) / 8
= 3.13 × 109 Joules
What Changes During Transfer:
- 🔻 Kinetic Energy decreases by 3.13 × 109 J
- 🔺 Potential Energy increases by 6.25 × 109 J
- ⚡ Total Energy increases by 3.13 × 109 J