calculate-orbit-semi-minor-axis-not-using-eccentricity

The semi minor axis of an orbit can be calculated using the following formula:

b = a * sqrt(1 - e^2)

where: a = semi major axis e = eccentricity b = semi minor axis

However, if eccentricity is not given, we can use the following formula to calculate the semi minor axis:

b = sqrt(a^2 - c^2)

where: a = semi major axis c = distance between center and focus

To use this formula, we need to know the distance between the center and focus of the orbit. This can be calculated using the following formula:

c = e * a

where: a = semi major axis e = eccentricity

If eccentricity is not given, we can assume it to be zero for a circular orbit. Therefore, the distance between center and focus (c) would also be zero.

For example, if we have an orbit with a semi major axis of 10,000 km and no eccentricity, we can calculate the semi minor axis as follows:

c = e * a = 0 * 10,000 = 0 km (since eccentricity is zero for a circular orbit) b = sqrt(a^2 - c^2) = sqrt(10,000^2 - 0^2) = 10,000 km

Therefore, the semi minor axis of the orbit is 10,000 km.