The Hohmann transfer is the most fuel-efficient way to move between two circular orbits of different altitudes using two impulsive burns. It's not always the fastest — but it's almost always the cheapest in terms of ΔV.
The Hohmann transfer is the most fuel-efficient way to move between two circular orbits of different altitudes using two impulsive burns. It's not always the fastest — but it's almost always the cheapest in terms of ΔV.
A Hohmann transfer works by temporarily placing the satellite into an elliptical transfer orbit that connects the two circular orbits.
Numbers are approximate and depend on initial orbit and burn timing. The key point: two burns each of a few tens of m/s is enough to make a significant altitude change. Compare this to the ~9,500 m/s needed to reach LEO from the ground.
Real missions add complexity to the pure Hohmann geometry. Understanding the deviations is as important as understanding the baseline.
The eccentricity spike, the period increase mid-transfer, and the return to circular orbit on arrival — recognising this three-phase TLE signature is one of the most useful pattern-recognition skills in practical orbit analysis.