Coelliptic drift
Signed relative mean motion n_chaser − n_target from Δa, and the time to gain phase.
SIDUS educational calculator. Category orbital. Tags: GNC, operations, orbital, relative-motion, rendezvous. Pure SI. Not flight software.
Formula
n_rel ≈ −(3/2) n (Δa/a)
Coelliptic relative drift
Primary sources
- Fundamentals of Astrodynamics and Applications (David A. Vallado): Standard reference for two-body, Lambert, maneuvers, and J2. Equations implemented independently in SIDUS.
- Orbital Mechanics for Engineering Students (Howard D. Curtis): Textbook derivations for Hohmann, vis-viva, rocket equation, elements.
- Spaceflight Dynamics (William E. Wiesel): Relative motion, rendezvous, and phasing context complementary to Vallado/Curtis.
How do AI agents use this tool?
Read /llms.txt or call https://sidus.tools/api/mcp. Open the interactive page for live SI inputs.