Satellite Orbit Lifetime Decay Calculator
Astrodynamics & Space Debris: Calculate satellite ballistic coefficient ($B$), altitude loss per revolution ($\Delta r_{rev}$), and orbital lifetime until reentry.
Satellite Geometry & Mass
Solar Activity & Thermosphere
Decay Rate & Orbital Lifetime
Estimated Orbit Lifetime
-- years
In days: -- days
Ballistic Coefficient ($B$)
-- kg/m²
B = M / (C_D · A)
Decay Rate per Orbit ($\Delta r$)
-- m / rev
Daily drop: -- m / day
Orbital Period ($T$)
-- min
Orbital speed: -- km/s
Astrodynamic Drag Formulation:
• Ballistic coefficient: $B = \frac{M}{C_D A}$. Circular orbital decay per revolution: $\Delta r_{rev} = -2\pi \frac{\rho r^2}{B}$.
• King-Hele orbital lifetime formula relates scale height $H$ to exponential density drop: $\tau \approx \frac{H}{\Delta r_{rev} / T}$.
Recommended Tools & Equipment
Tested hardware and components for high reliability
100% Free Tool
Zero Sign-Up