Optimization of the equatorial transfer orbit with an allowance made for atmospheric drag
Abstract
The optimal coplanar two-impulse transfer between nearly circular equatorial orbits is treated analytically, with an allowance made for the secular disturbances arising from the second zonal harmonic of the geopotential and from atmospheric drag. It is shown that an allowance for atmospheric drag leads to a change in the elliptical transfer orbit, even to a first approximation. The characteristic velocities required for transfer are determined.
- Publication:
-
Leningradskii Universitet Vestnik Matematika Mekhanika Astronomiia
- Pub Date:
- January 1983
- Bibcode:
- 1983VeLen.......92N
- Keywords:
-
- Atmospheric Effects;
- Equatorial Orbits;
- Orbit Perturbation;
- Satellite Drag;
- Trajectory Optimization;
- Transfer Orbits;
- Approximation;
- Astrodynamics;
- Circular Orbits;
- Elliptical Orbits;
- Geopotential;
- Secular Variations;
- Astrodynamics