THE ORBIT OF ARIEL 3 (1967-42A)

Abstract

The definitive orbit for Ariel 3 has been computed, from Minitrack observations, for a period of 27 1/2 months from the launch of the satellite. The orbit was represented by a model with seven independent orbital parameters and the values of these parameters were determined, and are listed, at three-day intervals. Typical accuracies are 0.00001 in eccentricity and 4 seconds in angular parameters, that is, about 1/2 km in position. A curious feature of the secular variation of orbital inclination, viz. that the expected decrease of about 0.02 deg appeared to occur over a three-month period instead of the full 27 1/2-month period, is discussed but has not been explained.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1969
Accession Number
AD0705024

Entities

People

  • Robert H. Gooding

Organizations

  • Royal Aircraft Establishment

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Amplitude
  • Angular Acceleration
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Computations
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Data Analysis
  • Eccentricity
  • Electron Density
  • Gravitational Fields
  • Measurement
  • Orbital Inclination
  • Orbits
  • Rotation
  • Satellite Orbits
  • Tape Recorders

Readers

  • Educational Psychology
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris