Principles of the theory of flight and elements of projection of artificial earth satellites.

The basic concepts of the unperturbed (Keplerian) motion of a satellite are discussed. The effect on satellite motion of the following principal perturbing factors is analyzed: errors of satellite insertion into orbit, noncentrality of the earth's gravitational field, air drag, anomalies of gravitational force, attraction of moon and sun, and solar wind pressure. The basic methods of determining satellite orbits from measurements are given. Problems of inserting artificial earth satellites into orbit and deorbiting to the earth's surface are examined. The essentials of flight theory are expounded with reference to the necessity of selecting the optimal ballistic-design parameters when designing spacecraft.