ORBIT DETERMINATION AND ANALYSIS BY THE MINIMUM VARIANCE METHOD
Abstract
The aspects of accurate determination of Earth satellite orbits by the Minimum Variance Method are presented. In addition, techniques for the determination of the associated physical constants, such as the coefficients in the Earth's gravitational potential, exospheric temperature, etc., are developed. A method for determination of the state transition matrix is presented. Also included are a review of the time systems employed in satellite orbit determination and a short discussion of the types of observations. The mathematical model of the dynamical system includes nine zonal harmonics and up to the fourth order tesseral harmonics of the Earth's gravitational potential. Atmospheric drag effects are included on the assumption that the atmosphere rotates with the angular velocity of the Earth. First order solar and lunar gravitational attractions and solar radiation pressure are also treated. The satellite orbits are integrated in a reference system which considers the precession and nutation of the Earth. Rectangular coordinate systems are used throughout the development.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0625453
Entities
People
- Karlis Minka
Organizations
- Glenn L. Martin Company