How to Calculate Orbital Period of a Satellite

What is the formula to calculate the orbital period of a satellite?

Given a satellite in a 322 km high circular orbit, how can we determine the orbital period in minutes?

Formula to Calculate Orbital Period:

The orbital period of a satellite can be calculated by adding the height of the satellite above the Earth to the radius of the Earth to determine the radius of the orbit. This radius can then be used in the speed equation to find the orbital period in minutes.

To calculate the orbital period of a satellite in a specific orbit, you need to consider the height of the satellite above the Earth and the radius of the Earth. By adding these two values together, you can determine the radius of the orbit in which the satellite is moving. This radius is crucial in calculating the orbital period.

Once you have the radius of the orbit, you can use it in the speed equation. The orbital speed of a satellite in a circular orbit is given by the formula Vorbir = 2πr/T, where Vorbir is the orbital speed, r is the radius of the orbit, and T is the orbital period. By rearranging this formula, you can solve for the orbital period in minutes.

In the specific example given where the satellite is in a 322 km high circular orbit and the radius of the Earth is approximately 6380 km, you can calculate the radius of the orbit as 6702 km. Convert this value to meters, substitute it into the formula, and solve for the orbital period in minutes.

Remember, the orbital speed of a satellite is constant in circular orbits but may vary in non-circular orbits. By understanding the principles of physics related to gravitational pull and satellite speed, you can accurately determine the orbital period of a satellite in a given orbit.