Hohmann Transfer Orbit
This interactive simulator explores Hohmann Transfer in Gravity & Orbits. Coplanar circles r₁,r₂; transfer ellipse; Δv₁, Δv₂ from vis-viva. Use the controls to change the scenario; watch the visualization and any graphs or readouts to connect the model with lectures, labs, and homework.
Who it's for: Best once you already know the basic definitions and want to build intuition. Typical context: Gravity & Orbits.
Key terms
- hohmann
- transfer
- hohmann transfer
- gravity
- orbits
How it works
**Hohmann** transfer: **coplanar** **circular** orbits **r₁ < r₂** around one **massive** body. The **transfer ellipse** has **periapsis r₁** and **apoapsis r₂**, so **a = (r₁+r₂)/2** and **eccentricity e = (r₂−r₁)/(r₂+r₁)**. **Prograde** **Δv₁** at **inner** periapsis raises apoapsis to **r₂**; **Δv₂** at **outer** apoapsis circularizes. **Pink** arrows mark **impulse** directions (schematic). **White** dot coasts on the **transfer** branch — timing of burns is idealized.
Key equations
More from Gravity & Orbits
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