DETERMINATION OF A SATELLITE ORBIT ABOUT THE OBLATE EARTH FROM TWO POSITIONS,

Abstract

A discrete set of possible orbits for an artificial earth satellite can be computed when only its absolute positions in space are known at two times. The approach employed in the present method is to scan systematically all possible values of the number of revolutions and of the semi-latus rectum and eventually to compare the observed time interval of the above two times with computed values for this time difference; a possible solution is obtained when these two quantities become identical. With the aid of additional observational material it is then a simple matter to search for the true orbit among the set of possible solutions. The calculations take into account first-order secular perturbations due to the oblateness of the earth. In its present form, the method demands the use of a high-speed digital computer. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 31, 1962
Accession Number
AD0281757

Entities

People

  • Claus Oesterwinter

Organizations

  • Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Computers
  • Digital Computers
  • Intervals
  • Materials
  • Orbits
  • Perturbations
  • Revolutions
  • Satellite Orbits
  • Time Intervals

Fields of Study

  • Mathematics
  • Physics

Readers

  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris