ar81
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Velocity and altitude describe kinetic and potential energy.
In an orbit or in flight you exchange kinetic and potential enrgy.
However in atmoepheric flight there is an energy loss due to drag.
This is why periapsis burns are so efficient, because a small burn allows you to gain plenty of energy, much more than trying to gain useful energy elsewhere. This is what is called "Oberth effect".
Potential energy = m * g * h
Kinetic energy = 0.5 * m * v ^ 2
m = Mass of an object
g = gravity constant
h = height
v = velocity
In an orbit or in flight you exchange kinetic and potential enrgy.
However in atmoepheric flight there is an energy loss due to drag.
This is why periapsis burns are so efficient, because a small burn allows you to gain plenty of energy, much more than trying to gain useful energy elsewhere. This is what is called "Oberth effect".
Potential energy = m * g * h
Kinetic energy = 0.5 * m * v ^ 2
m = Mass of an object
g = gravity constant
h = height
v = velocity