Short-Term Orbit Prediction with J₂ and Mean Orbital Elements

Shraddha Gupta, M. Xavier James Raj, R. K. Sharma

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DOI: 10.4236/ijaa.2011.13018                

Abstract

An analytical theory for calculating perturbations of the orbital elements of a satellite due to J₂ to accuracy up to fourth power in eccentricity is developed. It is observed that there is significant improvement in all the orbital elements with the present theory over second-order theory. The theory is used for computing the mean orbital elements, which are found to be more accurate than provided by Bhatnagar and taqvi’s theory (up to second power in eccentricity). Mean elements have a large number of practical applications.

Keywords

Perturbation Due to J₂, Mean Orbital Elements, Short-Periodic Terms, Osculating Orbital Elements, Fourth Power in Eccentricit

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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