[dr_lew]

The 1.08 ratio will apply to the semimajor axis of an elliptical orbit, which has to have pretty low eccentricity to stay clear of the atmosphere. For low eccentricity, the shape of the orbit is very nearly a circle with its center displaced from the center of the earth by 1/2 r*e ( r*e is the distance between the foci of the true elliptical shape. ) This means that the length of the orbit is very nearly that of a circular orbit, as calculated, and the calculated speed will be very nearly the average orbital speed.

[JRandomFreeper]

So, the area over time on any segment of the ellipsoid is the same.

And the time of the orbit is roughly the same whether circular or elliptical, given a fixed input of impulse.

I think I have that. Thank you.

/johnny

[JRandomFreeper]

BTW, feel free to harshly school me on math any chance you get. I did much better with other subjects and appreciate a free education.

/johnny