Quasicircular equatorial orbits of artificial earth satellites with allowance for light pressure

The analytical theory of motion of equatorial artificial earth satellites in quasicircular orbits was considered. In formulating the analytical theory, only gravitational perturbing effects were used in the computations (eccentricity of the earth's gravity field and gravitational lunar-solar perturbations). The theory is intended to predict the perturbed motion of an artificial earth satellite having a great sail effect and as a result experiencing the perturbing effect of light pressure. The screening effects of the Earth's shadow were not taken into account and the orbit was assumed to be completely illuminated by the Sun. The following topics are presented: (1) equations of motion of artificial satellites in linearized form, (2) photogravitational potential of the Sun in satellite problems, (3) solution of linearized system of equations, (4) determining arbitrary integration constants. The spherical coordinates of the satellite were determined with allowance for terrestrial, solar, and lunar gravitational perturbations and radiation pressure. The formulated theory is correct for short time intervals.