Predicting the eclipsed period of a satellite
Abstract
The article develops an algorithm for calculating the duration of time a satellite is eclipsed in the earth's shadow, with the orbit elements for a specified epoch as data base. NASA results reported for the Intasat are checked to verify the method. Secular variation of the orbit semimajor axis, the angle between the sunward direction and the orbit plane, and effects of atmospheric density at different times of day/night and different altitudes are studied.
- Publication:
-
Inta Conie
- Pub Date:
- December 1975
- Bibcode:
- 1975IntaC.......21E
- Keywords:
-
- Artificial Satellites;
- Astrodynamics;
- Occultation;
- Prediction Analysis Techniques;
- Satellite Orbits;
- Algorithms;
- Atmospheric Density;
- Azimuth;
- Intasat Satellite;
- Orbital Elements;
- Secular Variations;
- Astrodynamics