3D lab · Gravitation

Satellite Orbits and Escape Speed in 3D

Launch a satellite at any height and speed in 3D and see circular, elliptical and escape orbits with period, perigee and apogee.

Last updated: 26 October 2026

Direct answer

Launch a satellite at any height and speed in 3D and see circular, elliptical and escape orbits with period, perigee and apogee.

At exactly the circular speed the orbit is a circle. A little faster gives an ellipse with the launch point as perigee; √2 times faster and the satellite escapes.

Simulation

Try it

Satellite Orbits and Escape Speed in 3D

Gravitation

Height above Earth (km) 1000 km

Launch speed ÷ circular speed 1

Orbit inclination (°) 20°

Drag to rotate, two fingers or right-drag to pan, scroll or pinch to zoom. The toolbar has views, cutaway, measure and “show the maths”.

What's happening? At exactly the circular speed the orbit is a circle. A little faster gives an ellipse with the launch point as perigee; √2 times faster and the satellite escapes.

Learn more

Study this lab with

Study

Watch and try

The matching part of a free lecture: Satellite motion (2:41:07) — JEE Wallah
Other trusted simulations: Gravity and Orbits (PhET, University of Colorado) · Kepler's Laws (PhET, University of Colorado) · Gravity Force Lab (PhET, University of Colorado) · My Solar System (PhET, University of Colorado)

Terms used on this page

Escape speed

Full lab glossary →

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is the orbital speed close to Earth?

About 7.9 km/s; escape speed from the surface is about 11.2 km/s.

At what height is a geostationary orbit?

About 35 786 km above the equator, with a 24-hour period.

Satellite Orbits and Escape Speed in 3D

Launch a satellite at any height and speed in 3D and see circular, elliptical and escape orbits with period, perigee and apogee.

Try it

Satellite Orbits and Escape Speed in 3D

Study this lab with

Study

Watch and try

Terms used on this page

Related simulations

Frequently asked questions

Your next step