THE EFFECT OF A MERIDIONAL WIND ON A SATELLITE ORBIT.
Abstract
In this paper theoretical formulae are derived which show the effect of a meridional (south-to-north) wind on a satellite orbit of eccentricity less than 0.2. The aerodynamic force acting on the satellite, which is normally important only over a small section of the orbit near perigee, is assumed to be in the direction opposite to the satellite's motion relative to the ambient air, so that meridional motion of the upper atmosphere slightly alters the direction of the drag. The resulting changes in the satellite's orbital inclination and the right ascension of the node are evaluated. For a satellite whose perigee remains near the equator, a consistent meridional wind of 100 metres/sec in the vicinity of perigee can change the orbital inclination by 0.02 deg. as the orbital period decreases by 10 min; but when perigee moves widely, the effect is generally much smaller. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0481077
Entities
People
- Desmond King-Hele
Organizations
- Royal Aircraft Establishment