Relativistic Effects in Satellite Dynamics and Doppler Tracking.
Abstract
The principle relativistic effects of interest for the problems of satellite tracking and orbit prediction are considered. Due to relativistic modifications of Newtonian dynamics, the perifocus of a satellite orbiting in a central field will advance at a fixed rate. This effect is cumulative and for a typical earth satellite amounts to an advance of perigee of about one meter a day. An expression is given for obtaining a classical perturbation term which reproduces this relativistic effect to second order. The classical Doppler shift is also modified since the rate at which clocks run will depend, according to relativity, on their state of motion and the strength of the gravitational field at their location. For Doppler tracked earth satellites, the effective correction varies sinusoidally with the true anomaly. For some typical earth satellites the amplitude ranges from a few parts in 10 to the -12th power up to a few parts in 10 to the -10th power. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0762400
Entities
People
- M. D. Harkins
Organizations
- Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division