Standard gravitational parameter

Common card · No. 295362

The standard gravitational parameter μ of a celestial body is the product of the gravitational constant G and the mass M of that body. For two bodies, the parameter may be expressed as G(m1 + m2), or as GM when one body is much larger than the other: μ = G ( M + m ) ≈ G M . {\displaystyle \mu =G(M+m)\approx GM.} For several objects in the Solar System, the value of μ is known to greater accuracy than either G or M. The SI unit of the standard gravitational parameter is m3⋅s−2. However, the unit km3⋅s−2 is frequently used in the scientific literature and in spacecraft navigation.

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