Interactive Flight Manual

Orbital Mechanics Simulation Guide

Core Purpose

This laboratory sandbox is designed to help you visually examine different **orbital profiles** (circular, eccentric ellipses, or unbound escape trajectories) and track the continuous **conservation and exchange of energy** (Kinetic vs. Gravitational Potential Energy) in real-time.

Use the controls on the left panel to pilot the satellite around Earth:

Orbit Viewport: Left-click and drag on the right viewport to rotate camera; right-click to pan; scroll to zoom.
Prograde Burn: Fires engines forward to increase kinetic energy and raise the opposite side of the orbit.
Retrograde Burn: Fires engines backward to decrease speed and drop orbital heights.

🎯 Flight Directives & Challenges

01.

Work out how to increase or descrease the orbital radius such that the orbit remains circular.

02.

Investigate the energy dynamic chart. What happens to the satellite's path and flight status the exact moment Total Energy (E) reaches or goes above 0 J? Observe how the exit geometry shapes itself!

🚀

The Hohmann Transfer Orbit

Orbital Movements Explained

A **Hohmann Transfer** is a two-step, fuel-efficient maneuver used to move a spacecraft between two coplanar circular orbits of different radii using impulsive thrusts.

Step 1: The Departure Burn
Fire a prograde burn at your current position. This adds kinetic energy, turning your circular orbit into an elliptical transfer orbit. Your current point becomes the lowest point (Perigee).

Step 2: The Arrival Burn
Coast until you reach the highest peak on the far side (Apogee). Once there, execute a second prograde burn. This circularizes the orbit at this new, higher radius.

Hint: Try applying this two-burn technique to solve the challenge of cleanly expanding and circularizing your radius!

Orbital Mechanics Sandbox

Physics High Laboratory

Fire thrusters along the velocity vector to change orbits in real-time.

Rocket Engine Controls

Burn Duration:

sec

Velocity Vector Gravity Pull

Real-Time Energy Levels Sorted: U → K → E

LIVE FLIGHT TELEMETRY In Orbit

Kinetic Energy (K):0.00 J

Potential Energy (U):0.00 J

Total Energy (E):0.00 J