Orbits and Delta-v

A typical low earth orbit

Mathematics Involved

Main article: Delta-v

Delta-v can be used to calculate whether a rocket can reach a place or not. Take this rocket with a parachute, Capsule/Probe, two 20t 4 wide Fuel Tanks and an Hawk Engine for example.

$\Delta v = ln(\frac{M_t}{M_d}) \cdot I_sP \cdot g$

Where:

• $M_t$ is total mass.
• $M_d$ is total mass minus fuel mass.
• $ln$ is a natural logarithm.

The Hawk Engine has a specific impulse, $I_sp$, of 240s. For this specific rocket, $M_t = 47.9t$ and $M_d = 11.9t$. Substitute the values into the formula:

$\Delta v = ln(\frac{47.9 t}{11.9 t}) \cdot 240s \cdot 9.8 m/s$

$\Delta v = ln(\frac{47.9 t}{11.9 t}) \cdot 2450 m/s^{2}$

$\Delta v \approx{3321.7 m/s^{2}}$

Reaching Low Earth Orbit requires a delta-v around 2880 m/s² according to the tailor-made delta-v map for the game (also available at the delta-v page). This rocket can produce more delta-v than it requires, even when accounting for aerodynamic drag. Thus, this rocket can reach LEO. This formula can also be applied to other rockets.