Satellite calculator

[Oan]

Have you ever wondered what is the minimum number of satellites needed to cover the maximum surface?

Satellite calculator

A is the orbital altitude (the orbit must be circular)

R is the planet/moon radius

N is the number of satellites you need

D1 is the distance between each satellite

D2 is the maximum distance between the satellites and the surface

enjoy

Edited November 6, 2013 by Oan
added features

[Specialist290]

This looks nice, but do you think you could give a few more details on how we're supposed to use it?

[Oan]

Of course:

use the sliders to adjust the A and R parameters or enter the values directly, the page calculates N that is the minimum number of satellites that cover the maximum surface

example:

I want to setup a ring of satellites in synchronous orbit around Eve

so I set A to 1032847000 (from here) and R to 700000 (from here)

the results are: I need 3 satellites, the distance between each will be 1601164.1 km, thei maximum distance to the surface of Eve will be 1033546.8 km

this is useful expecially if you use remote tech

[Specialist290]

Alright, I think I've got the hang of how it works now. My main issue was trying to figure out where / how to input the numbers.

Anyway, looks quite useful