Hohmann Transfer

About this simulation

This simulation draws Earth and a spacecraft to scale and plays out a Hohmann transfer, the two-burn route between circular orbits. Sliders set the target orbit radius in Earth radii and the starting altitude in kilometers, and a toggle shows the trail. Readouts give the speed change for burn 1, burn 2, the total delta-v and the transfer time, using the vis-viva equation. Teachers can use it to show why raising an orbit takes two burns, and to connect orbital speed with energy and fuel.

What students can explore

Set Target orbit radius to about 6.6 to see the low Earth orbit to geostationary transfer.
Read Burn 1 and Burn 2 delta-v and compare their sizes.
Raise Start altitude and watch the Total delta-v readout change.
Increase the target radius and see how Transfer time grows.
Toggle Trail to follow the ellipse and circular orbits.

Learning objectives

1Describe the two burns of a Hohmann transfer and where each happens.
2Use delta-v readouts to compare the fuel cost of different orbit changes.
3Explain why the transfer path is half of an ellipse.
4Relate orbital radius to orbital speed and period.

Questions teachers ask

Is the Hohmann transfer simulation free to use?

Yes. It is completely free and runs in any modern web browser, including on interactive whiteboards, tablets, Chromebooks and phones. There is nothing to install and no sign-up or account is needed.

Why does a transfer need two burns?

The first burn at the low point stretches the circle into an ellipse that touches the higher orbit. At that high point the craft is too slow for a circle, so a second burn circularizes it.

How much speed change does it take to reach geostationary orbit?

From low Earth orbit the total delta-v is about 3.9 km/s, which the simulation shows when the target radius is near 6.6 Earth radii.

How do I use the Hohmann transfer simulation?

Set a start altitude and target radius, then watch the burns play out and write down the delta-v readouts. Change one slider at a time and compare results.

Embed this simulation

Drop it into your LMS, blog, or class site — free.

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