How to Perform an Orbital Transfer

Decide if you should use a Hohmann transfer., When you reach your periapsis (the lowest point of your orbit), burn prograde (in the direction of travel)., When you reach apoapsis, burn prograde until your periapsis reaches the desired height.

5 Steps 1 min read Medium

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Decide if you should use a Hohmann transfer.

    In general, you should use a Hohmann transfer if: desired radius/current radius <
    11.95. , This has the effect of raising your apoapsis (the highest point of your orbit).

    Burn until your apoapsis reaches the height of your desired orbit.

    You can calculate the delta-v for this burn using the formula in the picture., This should cause your orbit to circularise.

    Again, you can use the equation to calculate the delta-v for this burn.
  2. Step 2: When you reach your periapsis (the lowest point of your orbit)

  3. Step 3: burn prograde (in the direction of travel).

  4. Step 4: When you reach apoapsis

  5. Step 5: burn prograde until your periapsis reaches the desired height.

Detailed Guide

In general, you should use a Hohmann transfer if: desired radius/current radius <
11.95. , This has the effect of raising your apoapsis (the highest point of your orbit).

Burn until your apoapsis reaches the height of your desired orbit.

You can calculate the delta-v for this burn using the formula in the picture., This should cause your orbit to circularise.

Again, you can use the equation to calculate the delta-v for this burn.

About the Author

J

Joyce Green

Enthusiastic about teaching practical skills techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.

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