The Change in Satellite Orbital Inclination Caused by a Rotating Atmosphere with Day-to-Night Density Variation.
Abstract
The mathematical theory specifying the change delta i in a satellite's orbital inclination due to atmospheric rotation, in terms of the decrease in orbital period delta t, has been extended to an atmosphere with sinusoidal variation of density between day and night. It is found that with certain special sets of values for the orbital parameters, the day-to-night variation in the Earth's atmosphere can alter the equation for delta i/delta t by as much as 25%, though only for a few days. Appreciable changes in delta i/delta t persisting for several months can only occur for certain resonant orbits: the maximum change is then about 8%. Near-resonance is very unlikely, but the resonance conditions are derived so that dangerous orbits can be recognized and avoided. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0720875
Entities
People
- Desmond King-Hele
- Doreen Walker
Organizations
- Royal Aircraft Establishment