In astrodynamics a characteristic energy, a form of specific energy, is a measure of the energy required for an interplanetary mission that requires attaining an excess orbital velocity over an escape velocity required for additional orbital maneuvers. The unit of the characteristic energy is km2s-2.
Characteristic energy can be computed as:
where is the orbital velocity when the orbital distance tends to infinity. Note that, since the kinetic energy is, C3 is in fact equal to twice the magnitude of the specific orbital energy of the escaping object.
Read more about Characteristic Energy: Parabolic Trajectory, Hyperbolic Trajectory
Famous quotes containing the word energy:
“Since the beginning of time, three-quarters of the mental energy and of the lies inspired by vanity have been expended for their inferiors by people who are only abased by such expenditure. And Swann, who was easygoing and unaffected with a duchess, trembled at the thought of being scorned and put on airs when he was with a housemaid.”
—Marcel Proust (1871–1922)