Differential Orbit Correction for Near-Stationary Artificial Satellites.
Abstract
This report presents a new concept for the differential correction of orbits. It is developed in detail for near-stationary artificial satellites. For these satellites a few (< 10) observations over a short (5-15m, < or approx. = 1% period) time interval allows the reacquisition of the satellite an hour later. Moreover, with only slightly more data points (total number < 15) over a slightly longer (total duration < 0.5h) time interval it is capable of producing an excellent set of orbital elements. The technique is self-starting and does not use any of the classical initial orbit determination procedures. It can be used by a radar or extended to include angular velocity data. Its success appears to be based on the ability to find a coordinate system in which the object's motion is nearly stationary and the extensive use of analytical (instead of numerical) procedures. Extensions of the theory to include all first-order perturbations and to all orbital types are possible. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 17, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA074231
Entities
People
- John M. Sorvari
- Laurence G. Taff
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology