Analysis of the Orbit of Cosmos 72 (1965 -53B) near 15th - Order Resonance.
Abstract
Cosmos 72 (1965-53B) was launched on 16 April 1965 into a near-circular orbit with an average height of 570 km and inclination 56 degrees. Over the years, the orbit has contracted slowly under the influence of air drag, and on 27 June 1972 passed through exact 15th-order resonance, when successive equator crossings are 24 degrees apart in longitude and the ground track repeats after 15 revolutions. The orbit has been determined at seven epochs between April 1972 and February 1973, using the RAE orbit refinement program PROP, with 544 optical and radar observations: the average orbital accuracy is about 50 m in height and 0.0008 degrees in inclination.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1974
- Accession Number
- AD0778213
Entities
People
- A. N. Winterbottom
- Desmond King-Hele
Organizations
- Royal Aircraft Establishment