Geometry, Artificial Satellites, and Orbit Determination.
Abstract
The large proper motions and diurnal parallaxes of earth-bound artificial satellites coupled with the use of devices more sophisticated than the photographic plate to record their motion force one to consider methods of analysis beyond the traditional ones. In particular, it is theoretically possible to deduce from the streak made by the passage of a celestial object a complete specification of its location and velocity. Thus, for artificial satellites, one has the possibility of orbital element set construction from a complete set of initial conditions without recourse to any approximations. In this report, I show how and why this is possible. The practical situation is less hopeful however, in that the distance and radial velocity can be determined only if the streak has measurable curvature. Extremely accurate + or - 0.05 sec/sec angular velocities should be obtainable. The positional accuracy is a function of the driving of the telescope. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 04, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA077049
Entities
People
- Laurence G. Taff
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology