Vis-viva equation
Orbital speed at radius r on an ellipse of semi-major axis a.
SIDUS educational calculator. Category orbital. Tags: orbital, vis-viva. Pure SI. Not flight software.
Formula
v = √[ μ (2/r − 1/a) ]
Speed anywhere on the conic
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.
- NASA Glenn Research Center: Beginner’s Guide to Aeronautics (NASA GRC): Ideal rocket equation, specific impulse, thrust equation, dynamic pressure education pages.
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.