Easily calculate the pericenter distance, also known as periapsis, for any orbiting body. This online tool helps determine the closest point an orbiting object comes to its primary, essential for understanding orbital mechanics, satellite trajectories, and planetary movements. Input the semi-major axis and eccentricity to find your results instantly.
Formula:
The formula to calculate the Pericenter Distance (rp) is:
rp = a * (1 - e)
- rp: Pericenter Distance (or Periapsis)
- a: Semi-major Axis (distance)
- e: Orbital Eccentricity (dimensionless)