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Apogee Height Formula:
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Apogee Height is the maximum height or distance above the Earth's surface that an object reaches in its orbit around the Earth. It represents the highest point in an elliptical orbit measured from the Earth's surface.
The calculator uses the Apogee Height formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the actual height above Earth's surface by subtracting Earth's radius from the orbital apogee radius.
Details: Accurate apogee height calculation is crucial for satellite orbit planning, space mission design, orbital mechanics analysis, and ensuring proper satellite positioning for communication and observation purposes.
Tips: Enter the apogee radius in meters. The value must be greater than Earth's radius (6371.0088 meters) to get a valid positive apogee height.
Q1: What is the difference between apogee radius and apogee height?
A: Apogee radius is measured from Earth's center, while apogee height is measured from Earth's surface. Apogee height = Apogee radius - Earth's radius.
Q2: Why is Earth's radius subtracted in the calculation?
A: Earth's radius is subtracted to convert the measurement from the center of the Earth to the surface of the Earth, giving the actual height above ground level.
Q3: What is a typical apogee height for satellites?
A: Satellite apogee heights vary widely from low Earth orbit (160-2000 km) to geostationary orbit (35,786 km) and beyond for deep space missions.
Q4: Can this calculator be used for other celestial bodies?
A: No, this calculator is specifically designed for Earth orbits. Other planets have different radii that would need to be used in the calculation.
Q5: What units should be used for input?
A: The calculator expects input in meters. If you have measurements in other units, convert them to meters before calculation.