Higher Order Theory for Long-Term Behavior of Earth and Lunar Orbiters

Abstract

A semianalytical method capable of analyzing both lunar and earth orbiters is presented. Primary attention is focused on predicting the evolution of the orbit as affected by third-body perturbations and those of the rotating primary. The singly averaged (literal) equations of motion are expanded by machine to a high order in the parallax factor and the mean motion ratio. These equations are numerically integrated to yield the orbital evolution and stability for a wide range of initial conditions. In addition, a purely analytical method is introduced to yield the orbital lifetimes for a special class of orbits.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 29, 1972
Accession Number
AD0754738

Entities

People

  • Bernard Kaufman
  • Robert Dasenbrock

Organizations

  • United States Naval Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Binomials
  • Celestial Mechanics
  • Computations
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Equations
  • Equations Of Motion
  • Gaussian Quadrature
  • Integrals
  • Mathematics
  • Military Research
  • Numerical Integration
  • Operations Research
  • Orbital Elements
  • Security
  • Variational Equations

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Calculus or Mathematical Analysis
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris