Short-Term Orbit Prediction with J2 and Mean Orbital Elements

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

doi:10.4236/ijaa.2011.13018

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

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

Cite this paper: nullS. 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.

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