Satellite Orbit Explorer
Explore an illustrative circular satellite orbit. Adjust altitude, inclination and time, then inspect orbital period, speed and Earth-fixed position.
Set the orbit
200–36,000 km above the model Earth.
0–98° between the orbit and equatorial planes.
Scrub through a simulated day. Playback loops at 1,440 minutes.
The time slider works while motion is paused. This model does not calculate a real satellite’s position, an observer’s passes, or visibility.
Paused. Choose Play simulation or adjust elapsed time.
Circular orbit around a spherical Earth. No drag, eccentricity, gravitational perturbations, maneuvers, atmospheric effects or real catalog elements. The view uses an arbitrary initial Earth orientation.
What changes when you raise an orbit?
The model uses r = R + h, v = √(μ/r) and T = 2π√(r³/μ). Raising altitude increases the radius and orbital period while reducing circular orbital speed. Inclination tilts the orbital plane. The graticule is Earth-fixed; the model accounts for uniform Earth rotation when displaying longitude.
At the arbitrary start, the object crosses the equator at longitude 0°. The green orbital arc is the near side of the plane; the dashed arc is behind it. Earth and orbital radius share one visual scale. The displayed latitude is geocentric. Use the satellite tracker API guide to understand why real tracking requires compatible orbital elements, a propagation model and timestamps.