SATELLITE MOTION IN AN AXI-SYMMETRIC FIELD, WITH AN APPLICATION TO LUNI- SOLAR PERTURBATIONS

Abstract

The disturbing function for an axi-symmetric potential field is expanded into a doubly infinite Legendre harmonic series. The effect of the general harmonic term on the motion of a satellite in the field is developed by averaging with respect to the mean anomaly of the satellite and applying Lagrange's planetary equations. Expressions for the variation of orbital elements due to the main harmonics are listed, the results being applicable to the perturbations of an earth satellite due to asphericity of the earth and luni-solar influence. General expressions for secular and long-period perturbations are obtained.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1966
Accession Number
AD0634291

Entities

People

  • Robert H. Gooding

Organizations

  • Royal Aircraft Establishment

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Celestial Mechanics
  • Computational Science
  • Differential Equations
  • Equations
  • Gravitational Fields
  • Legendre Functions
  • New York
  • Orbital Elements
  • Orbital Inclination
  • Polynomials
  • Radiation
  • Radiation Pressure
  • Satellite Orbits
  • Solar Radiation
  • Space Sciences
  • Spherical Harmonics

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Approximation Theory.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris