Apsis-Apocenter (maximum distance)

The Apsis-Apocenter Maximum Distance calculator computes the maximum distance from the center of gravity in an orbit at apogee based on the semi-major axis (a) and eccentricity (e).

INSTRUCTION: Choose units and enter the following:

• (a) This is the semi-major axis of the orbit
• (e) This is the eccentricity of the the orbit

Maximum Distance (r_ap): The calculator returns the distance in meters.  However this can be automatically converted to compatible units via the pull-down menu.
The apsides indicate the nearest
and furthest points of an
orbiting body around its host.
(1) farthest - apocenter
(2) nearest - pericenter
(3) focus - primary

Related Calculators

• Force of Gravity computes the force of gravity between two bodies.
• Apsis-Apocenter (minimum speed) computes the minimum velocity at the maximum distance of an orbit.
• Apsis-Apocenter (maximum distance) computes the greatest distance from the center of gravity in an orbit.
• Apsis-Pericenter (maximum speed) computes maximum velocity at the minimum distance of an orbit.
• Apsis-Pericenter (minimum distance) computes the minimum distance from the center of mass in an orbit.
• Standard Gravitational Parameter

The Math / Science

The Apsis-Apocenter is an extreme point in an object's orbit. For elliptical orbits about a larger body, there are two apsides. This is commonly known as the apogee. The apocenter is the point furthest away from the object being orbited.

The formula for the Apsis-Apocenter maximum distance is:

`r_(ap)=(1+e)a`

where:

• r_ap is distance at apogee
• e = eccentricity
• a = semi-major axis

References

Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apsis)