ERRORS IN LONG-TERM ORBITAL PREDICTION,

Abstract

The results of orbital prediction over periods from two to six months are presented. The orbits used in the predictions were based upon Doppler data obtained within not more than twenty-four hours. After removing the drag contribution, the remaining prediction error is found to grow linearly with time, contrary to the theory of Moe (1963). An alternate expression for the growth of error is given. It is shown that the contribution from measurement error is an order of magnitude below the contribution from geodetic errors. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 1964
Accession Number
AD0631824

Entities

People

  • Robert R. Newton

Organizations

  • Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

Tags

Readers

  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Mathematics or Statistics
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris