The Orbit of Cosmos 219 Rocket (1968-38B).
Abstract
The orbit of Cosmos 219 rocket, which was in orbit from 26 April 1968 until 24 February 1969, has been determined at 15 epochs with the aid of the R.A.E. orbit determination program PROP, using all available types of observation, visual, photographic and radar. The orbital elements obtained were generally of good accuracy. For 9 of the 15 runs, the values of eccentricity had standard deviations of 0.00003 or less, corresponding to s.d. of 200 m or less in perigee height, and the inclination had s.d. less than 0.004 degrees, including one orbit with s.d. 0.0004 degrees (1 1/2 sec of arc). A theoretical curve for the variation of inclination with time was fitted to the observed values to determine atmospheric rotational speed, taken as lambda times that of the Earth. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0714521
Entities
People
- A. N. Winterbottom
- Desmond King-Hele
Organizations
- Royal Aircraft Establishment