Calculate the Delta-V required for an orbital maneuver between two circular orbits.
Mission Parameters
Central Body: Earth
km
km
Mission Delta-V
Enter orbital altitudes to calculate transfer
Quick Reference
v_cCircular Velocity
v_tTransfer Velocity
rRadius (Alt + R_body)
μGravitational Parameter
Overview
A Hohmann transfer orbit is an elliptical orbit used to transfer between two circular orbits of different radii in the same plane. It is the most fuel-efficient method for such a transfer.
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Pro Tips
Altitudes are measured from the surface of the central body.
$Delta v1$ is the burn required to enter the elliptical transfer orbit.
$Delta v2$ is the burn required to circularize into the target orbit.
Total $Delta v$ is the sum of both magnitude changes.
Assumes impulsive burns and no atmospheric drag.
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Fun Facts
"The manuever was first published by Walter Hohmann in 1925."
"A transfer from Earth to Mars takes about 8.5 months using a Hohmann orbit."
"It requires exactly two engine burns at the apsides (periapsis and apoapsis)."
