Variations in Orbital Elements

Abstract

Due to perturbative forces acting on a near earth satellite, the associated classical Keplerian orbital elements vary with time. These variations are divided into secular, short period and long period. The mathematical equations expressing these variations are presented without derivation along with numerical examples. A discussion of the practical applications of these variations to trajectory generation and orbit determination is included.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1971
Accession Number
AD0729217

Entities

People

  • James A. Ward Jr.

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Facilities
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Circular Orbits
  • Computations
  • Computer Programming
  • Contracts
  • Data Processing
  • Equations
  • Equations Of Motion
  • Government Procurement
  • Instrumentation
  • Orbital Elements
  • Orbits
  • Periodic Variations
  • Space Defense
  • Trajectories

Readers

  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris