Analytical model of the evolution of orbit parameters of a quasi geostationary satellite

The MASQ analytical model describing the evolution of the orbit parameters of a geostationary satellite maintained within a narrow window (0.1 deg) in longitude and latitude is examined. The method used in developing the model involves expanding the perturbation functions in adapted orbit parameters and incorporating them in the Lagrange equations. The model is a secular evolution model with sums of periodical terms; the periods are extensively variable and come under four different categories. The model is shown to be sufficiently accurate to maintain geostationary satellites in station and requires less computational effort than numerical methods.