Differential Correction of Orbits by Kepler Versus Cartesian Parameters

Abstract

Numerical integration of orbits of near earth satellites is usually carried out in a Cartesian Coordinate System. When performing the differential correction of an initial orbit to match observations, the parameters of the solution are sometimes the corrections to the position and velocity vector of the satellite at epoch. At the Naval Surface Weapons Center, however, the parameters chosen are Kepler parameters modified to avoid singularity for circular orbits. The rate of convergence for a sample case was not found to be significantly different for the two parameterizations, but a significant gain in numerical accuracy was obtained with the set of Kepler parameters.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1984
Accession Number
ADA157868

Entities

People

  • C. H. Seay

Organizations

  • Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Cartesian Coordinates
  • Circular Orbits
  • Computer Programs
  • Convergence
  • Coordinate Systems
  • Ground Stations
  • Jet Propulsion
  • Numerical Integration
  • Observatories
  • Orbits
  • Physics Laboratories
  • Plastic Explosives
  • Satellite Orbits
  • Security
  • Space Systems
  • Standards

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Approximation Theory.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris