Explicit Forms of Some Functions Arising in the Analysis of Resonant Satellite Orbits
Abstract
The analysis of resonant satellite orbits has been pursued for 18 years, and has led to the most accurate values available for lumped geopotential harmonics of the relevant orders. The basic theory for the resonance effects was developed in the 1960s, but the detailed application of the technique calls for a systematic notation and for the evaluation of two subsidiary functions, namely F, a function of the orbital inclination, and G, a function of the eccentricity. The present paper sets out explicitly the variations in inclination and eccentricity produced by relevant harmonics at the most common resonances (15:1, 14:1, 16:1, 29:2 and 31:2), using the notation that has become standardized in recent years. The paper also gives appropriate expressions for calculating F and G, with a new Fortran program GQUAD for evaluating G.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA198344
Entities
People
- Desmond King-Hele
- Robert H. Gooding
Organizations
- Royal Aircraft Establishment