[amsat-bb] Max range apogee vs perigee

[Pierre van Deventer]

Bob W7LRD


I came across this info, might be of some value.

Ref: The Satellite Experimenters Handbook, Pg 9-6

Max Dist (range) = 2R * arcos [R/(R+h)] 

Where R = 6,371 km and 
h = 1,459 km at Apogee (AO-7)
h = 1,440 km at Perigee (AO-7)

Therefore the maximum possible communication distance via AO-7 at Apogee =
7,904 km. 
Therefore the maximum possible communication distance via AO-7 at Perigee =
7,861 km.

The difference in range from apogee to perigee appears to be only 33 km.


73, Pierre ZS6BB