Author(s)

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

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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.

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

S. Gupta, M. Raj and R. Sharma, "Short-Term Orbit Prediction with J₂ and Mean Orbital Elements," International Journal of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Vol. 1 No. 3, 2011, pp. 135-146. doi: 10.4236/ijaa.2011.13018.