S -sqrt Rr2R2cos. Because the signal travels at the speed of light c this time interval can be con verted to a distance simply by multiplying it by c. At th 180 aphelion the distance is maximum by definition aphelion is invariably perihelion plus 180 r max p 1 e.
Math to the rescue.
The speed of light R is 299792458 m s. Equations Used In the Program Degrees longitude orbital ground track shifts eastward with each orbit. S -sqrt Rr2R2cos. Where T is the period of the satellite R is the average radius of orbit for the satellite distance from center of central planet and G is 6673 x 10 -11 Nm 2 kg 2.