Some accuracy aspects of satellite orbit prediction
Abstract
A computer program, applicable to the Astronomical Netherlands Satellite (ANS), was developed for long-term prediction of low-earth satellite orbits. The program takes into account perturbations due to the earth's gravitational potential, lunisolar attraction, and aerodynamic drag. The analytical expressions describing long-term orbital-element variations due to zonal harmonic perturbations and a method for predicting the satellite's in-orbit position over one revolution were tested. Good correlation was found between computer predictions and actual orbits of comparable satellites. The inclusion of effects from the fifth through seventh zonal harmonics appreciably increases the accuracy, especially for nearly circular orbits.
- Publication:
-
Amsterdam International Astronautical Federation Congress
- Pub Date:
- September 1974
- Bibcode:
- 1974amst.iafcQ....A
- Keywords:
-
- Astronomical Netherlands Satellite;
- Computer Programs;
- Orbit Calculation;
- Orbit Perturbation;
- Satellite Orbits;
- Aerodynamic Drag;
- Error Analysis;
- Euler-Lagrange Equation;
- European Space Programs;
- Geopotential;
- Numerical Integration;
- Orbital Elements;
- Prediction Analysis Techniques;
- Astrodynamics