Analysis of the Orbit of Cosmos 268 Rocket (1969-20B)
Abstract
The orbit of Cosmos 268 rocket (1969-20B) has been determined at 28 epochs during its 342-day life, with the aid of the PROP5 orbit refinement program. All available observations were used, including 16 from the Hewitt camera at Malvern, 28 from the 200-mm camera at Meudon, 56 from the kinetheodolite at the Cape Observatory, 700 visual observations from volunteer observers, 500 US Navy observations and 200 British radar observations. The orbits are of very good accuracy for such a high-drag satellite, most of the values of inclination having standard deviations less than 0.002 degree. The most accurate orbits are those utilizing photographic observations, and the best of these has standard deviations of 0.00001 in eccentricity and 0.0001 degree in inclination.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0740634
Entities
People
- A. N. Winterbottom
- Desmond King-Hele
Organizations
- Royal Aircraft Establishment