LEO Satellite Acceleration Calculator
The acceleration of the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite can be calculated using the centripetal acceleration formula, which is the acceleration required to keep an object in circular motion, considering the orbit to be circular. Here we will calculate the acceleration of the satellite specifically for those satellites placed in LEO orbit. The radius of LEO is ranged within 2000 km as it is the maximum height of satellite that can be placed in the orbit.
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- d = radius of the orbit
- g0 = 398600.5 km3/s2
Here, g0 is the Standard Gravitational Parameter of Earth
g0 = G (M+m) ≈ GM = 398600.5 km3/s2
where,
- G is the Gravitational Constant
- M & m are the Masses of the two objects (i.e., earth and satellite in this calculator)
Note: The radius of a LEO orbit is approximately 2000 km or less, above the Earth's surface.
For example:
Consider radius of the orbit, d = 500 km
Then the acceleration of the satellite, A = g0 / d2
= 398600.5 / 5002
= 1.594402 km/sec2
