Cluster Orbits With Perturbations of Keplerian Elements Equations

Abstract

This effort was performed jointly with Chris Sabol of AFRL/DEBI. The Cluster Orbit with Perturbations of Keplerian Elements (COWPOKE) Equations were developed. The initial COWPOKE equations described the relative motion of space objects in non- circular orbits using Keplerian elements. Modifications to the equations were made and the equations were used in a relative orbit determination scheme to show the benefits of relative orbit determination for satellites collocated in a single geosynchronous orbit slot. Finally, initial work was done to add Earth oblateness and drag perturbations to the COWPOKE equations.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 31, 2003
Accession Number
ADA424125

Entities

People

  • Craig A. Mclaughlin

Organizations

  • University of North Dakota

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Apogees
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Circular Orbits
  • Coordinate Systems
  • Earth Orbits
  • Equations
  • Equations Of Motion
  • Geosynchronous Orbits
  • Geosynchronous Satellites
  • Low Earth Orbits
  • Orbits
  • Relative Motion
  • Space Objects
  • Spacecraft
  • Trajectories

Readers

  • Finite Element Method (FEM) for solving Partial Differential Equations (PDEs)
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris