ORBIT DETERMINATION FROM MINITRACK OBSERVATIONS

Abstract

Although Minitrack observations are only accurate to about 1 minute of arc, accurate orbits have been obtained for a number of satellites. This is due to the excellent global coverage of the NASA Minitrack network. The accuracy obtained for eccentricity is typically about 0.00001, and comparable values are obtained for the other orbital elements. The main source of observational error is thought to be inadequate correction for ionospheric refraction. Apparent error arises through deficiencies in the orbital model, namely, inadequate representation of satellite perturbations due to the Earth's tesseral harmonics and to atmospheric drag.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 1966
Accession Number
AD0649699

Entities

People

  • Robert H. Gooding

Organizations

  • Royal Aircraft Establishment

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Amplitude
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Computer Programs
  • Eccentricity
  • Elevation
  • Errors
  • Geosynchronous Satellites
  • Gravitational Fields
  • Harmonics
  • Observation
  • Orbital Elements
  • Orbital Inclination
  • Orbits
  • Oscillation
  • Perturbations
  • Satellite Orbits

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • Theoretical Analysis.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris