How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the distance to the Moon in kilometers. The default is the average distance of 384,400 km.
- Select the propulsion method from the dropdown menu. Different propulsion methods have different typical speeds.
- You can either enter a specific speed (in km/h) or leave it blank to use the default speed for the selected propulsion method.
- Click the "Calculate" button to determine the travel time.
- The results will show the travel time in hours and minutes, and if you didn't specify a speed, it will also show the calculated speed.
Propulsion Methods Explained
- Chemical Rocket: Uses traditional rocket engines with chemical propellants. Current technology allows for speeds of approximately 25,000 km/h.
- Ion Thruster: Uses electrically charged ions for propulsion. These thrusters provide lower thrust but can maintain high speeds over long durations, reaching about 5,000 km/h.
- Nuclear Thermal: Uses nuclear reactors to heat propellant, providing higher efficiency than chemical rockets. These vehicles can reach speeds of around 40,000 km/h.
- Hypersonic Vehicle: Uses air-breathing engines at high speeds, capable of reaching approximately 15,000 km/h for Earth-to-Moon travel.
Formula and Calculation Principles
The calculator uses the basic formula:
Time = Distance รท Speed
Where:
- Time is calculated in hours and minutes for easier understanding
- Distance is the distance to the Moon (typically 384,400 km)
- Speed is the travel speed in kilometers per hour
Note: These calculations are simplified and do not account for factors such as gravity assists, atmospheric drag, or mission planning considerations that would be present in real space missions.