Orbital velocity frame of reference

[LethalDose]

Whats the frame of reference for orbital velocity? Is it the velocity tangential to my orbit at my location or some other value?

[FenrirWolf]

I think it's the first thing you said. Like, suppose the planet you were orbiting wasn't rotating at all and you measured your speed relative to its surface. As far as I can tell, that's your orbital velocity. I could be wrong though.

Edited December 12, 2013 by FenrirWolf

[Taki117]

Velocity is the first derivative of displacement, so basically, it's how long it took you to go a certain distance.

[EtherDragon]

Velocity is the first derivative of displacement, so basically, it's how long it took you to go a certain distance.

Add to this, with respect to your current SOI.

[Specialist290]

Specifically, for orbital velocity, the fixed point of reference is the center of mass of the body whose SoI you're currently inside.

If you switch your navball to Orbit mode while still on the launchpad, you'll notice that your craft is still moving relative to that point as the planet rotates about its own axis.

[LethalDose]

Thanks Spec290 and etherdragon, that's what I needed. I just wanted to be sure these values should match my orbital velocity calculations.