Resonance Effects in Decaying Satellite Orbits, and Their Use in Studies of the Geopotential.
Abstract
A satellite orbit decaying slowly under the influence of air drag usually suffers measurable changes in its orbital elements as its decay takes it through a high-order resonance with the Earth's gravitational field, through the buildup of perturbations caused by harmonics of that order. The 15th-order resonance, when successive equator crossings are 24 degrees apart in longitude, is of particular interest because several satellites experience the resonance each year. The inclination is the orbital parameter which reveals the effect most clearly, and it may change by as much as 0.05 degrees. Recent numerical results are summarized, and 7 equations for 15th-order coefficients are obtained from analysis of near-circular orbits.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 30, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0769374
Entities
People
- Desmond King-Hele
Organizations
- Royal Aircraft Establishment