Orbital Mechanics: A Learning Tool on the Main Frame

Abstract

This thesis consists of an interactive program that enables the student to study the orbital motion of satellites around the earth. The student can investigate the shape of a variety of orbits by varying the initial position and velocity of the satellite, or by supplying select orbital parameters i.e. initial orbital radius, eccentricity, and inclination. Satellite maneuvers can also be studied, like transfer orbits and inclination changes, by command velocity changes at any location in the orbit. Also the effects of the perturbing forces due to the oblateness of the earth, drag for low earth orbits, and gravitational attraction from the sun and moon can be investigated. The orbits are displayed in either the perifocal coordinate system around a model of the earth, or the ground track can be displayed on a map of the world. Orbital data is displayed below the orbital plot. The display is enabled by the use of display integrated software system and plotting language (DISSPLA) subroutines. Orbital mechanics, Unperturbed and perturbed orbit, FORTRAN program, DISSPLA graphics.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 1989
Accession Number
ADA218799

Entities

People

  • Anthony A. Vraa

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Angular Momentum
  • Apogees
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Circular Orbits
  • Computer Programming
  • Computers
  • Coordinate Systems
  • Earth Orbits
  • Escape Velocity
  • Geosynchronous Orbits
  • Grids
  • Low Earth Orbits
  • Mainframe Computers
  • Orbital Elements
  • Orbital Mechanics
  • Perigees
  • Space Systems

Readers

  • Computer Science.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris