Satellite View Angle Calculator

Satellite View Angle Formula:

\[ \text{Angle} = 2 \times \arcsin\left(\frac{r_{\text{earth}}}{r_{\text{sat}}}\right) \]

Satellite View Angle:

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is the Satellite View Angle?

The satellite view angle represents the angular field of view that a satellite has of the Earth's surface. It determines how much of the Earth can be seen from the satellite's position at any given time and is crucial for satellite imaging, communication, and Earth observation applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the satellite view angle formula:

\[ \text{Angle} = 2 \times \arcsin\left(\frac{r_{\text{earth}}}{r_{\text{sat}}}\right) \]

Where:

\( r_{\text{earth}} \) — Earth's radius (km)
\( r_{\text{sat}} \) — Satellite's orbital radius (distance from Earth's center) (km)

Explanation: The formula calculates the angular diameter of Earth as seen from the satellite, which determines the field of view.

3. Importance of Satellite View Angle Calculation

Details: Calculating the satellite view angle is essential for determining coverage areas for communication satellites, planning Earth observation missions, optimizing satellite imaging resolution, and designing satellite constellations for global coverage.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter Earth's radius (typically 6371 km) and the satellite's orbital radius (Earth's radius + altitude). The satellite radius must be greater than Earth's radius for valid results.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the typical Earth radius value to use?
A: The average Earth radius is approximately 6371 km, though you can use more precise values (equatorial radius: 6378 km, polar radius: 6357 km) for specific calculations.

Q2: How do I calculate satellite orbital radius?
A: Satellite orbital radius = Earth's radius + satellite altitude above Earth's surface. For example, a satellite at 500 km altitude would have an orbital radius of 6371 + 500 = 6871 km.

Q3: What is the view angle for geostationary satellites?
A: Geostationary satellites orbit at about 35,786 km altitude, giving them a view angle of approximately 17.4 degrees, covering about one-third of Earth's surface.

Q4: How does view angle affect satellite imaging?
A: A larger view angle means the satellite can see more of Earth's surface at once, but with potentially lower resolution. Smaller view angles provide higher resolution but cover less area.

Q5: Can this formula be used for other celestial bodies?
A: Yes, the same formula applies to calculate the view angle of any spherical body from a satellite or spacecraft orbiting it.