Some Higher Order Analyses of Earth and Lunar Orbiters,
Abstract
The report is concerned with the accurate modelling of the translational behavior of a drag-free satellite in an almost circular near-earth orbit. Specifically, all of the short period and long period position fluctuations in the satellite's coordinates down to one meter in amplitude are determined. Considered in the equations of motion are the general zonal and tesseral harmonic effects as well as the lunar and solar effects. The results of the study will allow the efficient evaluation of information about the gravity field from special low altitude small eccentricity orbits selected for drag-free operation. A non-canonical approach is followed. A mean orbital plane is chosen in such a way that no short period out-of-plane fluctuations greater than second order occur. This frame of reference undergoes long period changes in inclination and nodal position. The short period radial and cross-track fluctuations are computed as a function of position along the orbit. The in-track fluctuations are determined by the solution of the time equation. These fluctuations are derived from Lagrange's Planetary Equations. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0730855
Entities
People
- Robert R. Dasenbrock
Organizations
- Stanford University