How do I simulate a satellite orbit?

Open this page and use the live 3D Heat Diffusion tool below — set your inputs and the simulation runs instantly in your browser using real numerics. No install, no account needed.

Yes. The simulation runs free in your browser. A one-time unlock or a Pro plan adds advanced parameters, saved presets, data import, and clean exports.

Can I use my own numbers?

Absolutely — every input is adjustable, and with data import you can drive a satellite orbit from your own measurements.

Use case · powered by 3D Heat Diffusion

3D Heat Diffusion for a satellite orbit

Simulate a satellite orbit live in your browser. This runs the real 3D Heat Diffusion solver — adjust the inputs, watch it respond instantly, and export the result. No install, no account.

For:Students Researchers Educators Engineers Hobbyists & Makers K-12 Students First Responders

3D Heat Diffusion StudioLive

3D finite difference · ∂u/∂t = α∇³u

Controls

Speed1×

Presets

Diffusivity α

▶ Run in Python

Data Inspector

Grid40³

Cells64,000

SchemeExplicit FD

Governing equation

\frac{\partial u}{\partial t} = 0.12 \nabla^{2} u = 0.12 (u_{xx} + u_{y y} + u_{z z})

Reading this result: Heat spreads outward at a rate set by the diffusivity — each cell relaxes toward the average of its six neighbors every step.

Runs locally in your browser — free forever. Scale to the cloud when reality gets heavy.

or unlock everything with Pro →

About this simulation

The full 3D Heat Diffusion tool models a satellite orbit with the same numerics engineers and scientists use — running entirely client-side. Change any parameter and the result updates in real time, so you can build intuition, check a design, or teach the concept without spreadsheets or installs.

More you can do with 3D Heat Diffusion

3D Heat Diffusion for a projectile from a cannon 3D Heat Diffusion for a bouncing ball 3D Heat Diffusion for a pendulum clock 3D Heat Diffusion for a car braking 3D Heat Diffusion for a roller-coaster loop 3D Heat Diffusion for a mass on a spring 3D Heat Diffusion for a skydiver's free fall 3D Heat Diffusion for a two-cart collision

Other ways to simulate a satellite orbit

Particle / N-Body for a satellite orbit Heat & Wave Fields for a satellite orbit GPU Compute (WebGPU) for a satellite orbit WebGPU Fluid for a satellite orbit GPU N-Body for a satellite orbit GPU PDE Solver for a satellite orbit

Frequently asked questions

How do I simulate a satellite orbit?: Open this page and use the live 3D Heat Diffusion tool below — set your inputs and the simulation runs instantly in your browser using real numerics. No install, no account needed.
Is it free?: Yes. The simulation runs free in your browser. A one-time unlock or a Pro plan adds advanced parameters, saved presets, data import, and clean exports.
Can I use my own numbers?: Absolutely — every input is adjustable, and with data import you can drive a satellite orbit from your own measurements.