Satellite Breakups. Survey of a Dynamical Theory.

Abstract

A general theory is developed for the dynamics of fragments resulting from the breakup of an artificial satellite or other celestial body. The particle ensemble is modeled as a continuum in phase space and the behaviour of the ensemble, as opposed to the behaviour of individual particles, is investigated. The solutions of four central problems are discussed. The problems are the direct problem (prediction of the evolution of the ensemble from the initial conditions), the continuous source problem (direct problem for a point source active over an interval of time), the asymptotic problem (to find the state of the ensemble in the limit as t goes to infinity, and the inverse problem (deduction of the initial conditions from the ensemble structure at a later time). (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1978
Accession Number
ADA060742

Entities

People

  • William B. Heard

Organizations

  • United States Naval Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Algorithms
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Celestial Mechanics
  • Circular Orbits
  • Coordinate Systems
  • Delta Functions
  • Differential Equations
  • Dispersions
  • Distribution Functions
  • Elliptical Orbits
  • Equations
  • Equations Of Motion
  • Inverse Problems
  • Orbital Elements
  • Orbits
  • Solar System
  • Trajectories

Readers

  • Adaptive Control and Estimation with Uncertainty in Dynamic Systems.
  • Mathematical Modeling and Probability Theory.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris