DETERMINATION OF THE GRAVITATIONAL FIELD OF THE MOON BY THE MOVEMENT OF THE ARTIFICIAL MOON SATELLITE LUNA-10
Abstract
To determine the noncentral gravitational field of the Moon, the motion of the artificial Moon satellite 'Luna 10' is analyzed with gravitational forces of the Earth and the Sun taken into account. From the statistically processed measurements of the trajectory of Luna-10 carried out over the period of its existence (from April 3 to May 30, 1966), it is established that the effect of noncentrality of the gravitational field of the Moon is an essential factor in the evolution of the orbit of Luna-10. The perturbations of its circumlunar orbit due to noncentrality of the gravitational field of the Moon are particularly noticeable in the evolution of the longitude of the ascending node and the angular distance of the pericenter to the ascending node. The perturbations of elements and of Luna-10 during the time of its existence (460 revolutions) due to noncentrality of the gravitational field of the Moon and due to gravitational effects of the Earth and the Sun (the gravitational effects of other planets are neglected) are presented as functions of the number of revolutions of the Moon satellite. A comparison of the results shows that perturbations for Luna-10 due to noncentrality of the gravitational field of the Moon exceed the perturbations due to gravitational forces of the Earth and the Sun 5 to 6 times.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 09, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0666737
Entities
People
- E. L. Akim
Organizations
- National Air and Space Intelligence Center