Front Cover Equations
Adapted From Fundamentals of Astrodynamics and Applications, Second Edition by David A. Vallado (Vallado Orange Book)
Note! This is not an exact copy of the front cover. I have made changes to symbols where appropriate for legibility and such. For instance, I use θ(theta) instead of ν(nu) for true anomaly, as it looks too much like v velocity. Go ahead and try it out! νvvνvννv. Also, I use the same symbol E for elliptic, parabolic, and hyperbolic eccentric anomaly. They are all used the same way, and it is always clear from context which is which.
I also group things differently, and I add in a couple of equations which are in pencil in my book.
These are provided pretty much without comment, as a reference for someone who knows what to do with the equation, but just needs to see it written out.
[edit] Common two-body equations
| Specific angular momentum |
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| Specific Mechanical Energy |
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| Orbital period |
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| Eccentricity Vector |
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| Radius |
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| Radial Rate |
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| Angular Rate |
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| Semi-parameter |
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| Semi-major axis |
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[edit] Anomalies
| Circle | Ellipse | Parabola | Hyperbola | |
| Eccentric Anomaly E | E = θ | ![]()
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| True Anomaly θ | θ = E | ![]()
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| Mean Anomaly M = nt | M = E = θ | M = E − esinE |
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M = esinh(E) − E |
[edit] Other Parameters
| Circle | Ellipse | Parabola | Hyperbola | |||||||
| Flight Path Angle φ | φ = 0 | ![]()
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| Polar Form Equation | r = a |
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| Periapsis rp | rp = a | rp = a(1 − e) |
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rp = a(1 − e) | ||||||
| Apoapsis ra | ra = a | ra = a(1 + e) |
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ra = a(1 + e) (negative) | ||||||
| Semi-parameter p | p = a | p = a(1 − e2) | p = 2rp | p = a(1 − e2) (positive) | ||||||
| Semi-major axis a | a = r | ![]()
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| Velocity v |
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Hyperbolic excess velocity
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Asymptotic True Anomaly
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| Eccentricity e | e = 0 |
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e = 1 |
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Mean Motion
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Period
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