Satellite Coverage Calculator
Calculate ground coverage radius, footprint surface area, central angle, and maximum slant range for a given satellite altitude and minimum elevation angle.
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Inputs
Live
Math
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Related
Enter parameters and click Calculate to view results
Formula & Theory
ψ = arccos[(Rₑ / (Rₑ + h)) × cos(e)] - e, d_ground = Rₑ × ψ, Area = 2πRₑ²(1 - cos ψ)This formula is used to calculate antenna parameters for satellite coverage calculator.
Overview
Use this satellite coverage calculator to evaluate the visible ground footprint, central earth angle, coverage surface area, and maximum slant range for any satellite orbit (LEO, MEO, GEO) and minimum elevation angle constraint.
Input Guide
Enter Satellite Altitude, Minimum Elevation Angle exactly in the units shown by this satellite coverage. Check the operating band, unit prefix, and decimal position before calculating; these are the inputs used by the formula.
- Satellite Altitude — use km.
- Minimum Elevation Angle — use °.
Output Guide
The results describe the calculated satellite coverage values for the inputs you entered. Check each value against the available space, selected components, feed system, and operating conditions before making a final design decision.
How This Calculator Works
The Satellite Coverage uses ψ = arccos[(Rₑ / (Rₑ + h)) × cos(e)] - e, d_ground = Rₑ × ψ, Area = 2πRₑ²(1 - cos ψ). Supply Satellite Altitude (km), Minimum Elevation Angle (°) in the displayed units, then use the calculated values as the first engineering target for this satellite communication design or analysis.
Design Notes
The minimum elevation angle (typically 5° to 15° for ground stations) acts as a horizon mask to avoid terrain blockages and heavy atmospheric noise. A higher elevation mask shrinks the effective ground coverage footprint.
Build and Tuning Notes
The maximum slant range calculated at the minimum elevation boundary represents the worst-case scenario for free-space path loss (FSPL). Use this distance to size power budgets for edge-of-coverage communication links.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a minimum elevation angle required for satellite ground stations?
At elevation angles below 5°–10°, signals travel through significantly more atmosphere, increasing noise temperature, rain fade, atmospheric absorption, and multipath interference from terrain or buildings.
How does satellite altitude affect Earth surface coverage?
A LEO satellite at 550 km covers ~1.5–3% of Earth’s surface at a time, whereas a GEO satellite at 35,786 km covers up to ~42% of Earth’s surface from a single orbital position.
What is the Central Angle (ψ)?
The central angle (or Earth central angle) is the angular distance measured from the center of Earth between the sub-satellite point and the outer edge of the ground coverage footprint.
Alex Warren
B.Sc. in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (EEE)
Alex specialises in antenna design and wave propagation. His expertise helps ensure these calculators present practical RF concepts, useful design estimates, and clear engineering guidance for students, HAM operators, and wireless professionals.