The Orbit of Ariel 4 (1971 - 109A).
Abstract
The definitive orbit of Ariel 4 has been computed, from Minitrack observations, for the two periods during which orbital parameters were required for use in telemetry analysis - from December 1971 (launch) to May 1973, and from October 1973 to December 1973. The orbit was represented by a model with eight independent orbital parameters, and the values of these parameters were determined, and are listed in this Report, at three-day intervals. The accuracy was much the same for all the determinations, being about 4 x 10 to the (-6) power in eccentricity and 2 inches for the angular parameters; this would correspond to a nominal position accuracy of about 120 m in using the orbital parameters, though the actual errors may have approached 500 m at times, arising from perturbations due to unmodelled tesseral harmonics.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA019181
Entities
People
- Robert H. Gooding
Organizations
- Royal Aircraft Establishment