Hohmann Transfer Calculator

What Is a Hohmann Transfer Orbit?

A Hohmann transfer is the most fuel-efficient two-impulse maneuver to move between two coplanar circular orbits. The spacecraft burns once to enter an elliptical transfer orbit, coasts, then burns again to circularize at the target altitude.

Delta-V Calculation

The first burn raises (or lowers) velocity at the departure orbit to match the transfer ellipse speed at that radius. The second burn circularizes at the destination. Total delta-v is the sum of both burns.

$$ \Delta v_1 = v_{t,1} - v_1, \quad \Delta v_2 = v_2 - v_{t,2} $$

Transfer Time

$$T = \pi \sqrt{\frac{(r_1 + r_2)^3}{8\mu}}$$

$ r_1 $ and $ r_2 $ are orbital radii from the planet center and $ \mu $ is the gravitational parameter. A low Earth orbit to geostationary transfer on Earth takes about 5.3 hours of coast time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Hohmann transfer fuel-efficient?

It uses the minimum-energy ellipse tangent to both circular orbits. Any other transfer with the same endpoints generally needs more total delta-v.

What is gravitational parameter μ?

μ = GM is the standard gravity constant for a body. Earth’s value is about 3.986 × 10¹⁴ m³/s².

Do altitudes include planet radius?

Yes. The calculator adds the body radius to your altitude inputs to get orbital radius from the center of mass.

Can I transfer to a lower orbit?

Yes. Enter a lower final altitude and the tool swaps the burn logic for a deorbit-style Hohmann transfer.

What assumptions does this model make?

It assumes coplanar circular orbits, impulsive burns, and a two-body problem with no drag or third-body gravity.

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Hohmann Transfer Calculator

What Is a Hohmann Transfer Orbit?

Delta-V Calculation

Transfer Time

Frequently Asked Questions

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