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At least 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1975

On the tesseral-harmonics resonance problem in artificial-satellite theory

The longitude-dependent part of the geopotential usually gives rise only to short-period effects in the motion of an artificial satellite. However, when the motion of the satellite is commensurable with that of the earth, the path of the satellite repeats itself relative to the earth and perturbations build up at each passage of the satellite in the same spot, so that there can be important long-period effects. In order to take these effects into account in deriving a theoretical solution to the equations of motion of an artificial satellite, it is necessary to select terms in the longitude-dependent part of the geopotential that will contribute significantly to the perturbations. Attempts made to obtain a selection that is valid in a general case, regardless of the initial eccentricity of the orbit and of the order of the resonance, are reported. The solution to the equations of motion of an artificial satellite, in a geopotential thus determined, is then derived by using Hori's method by Lie series, which, by its properties regarding canonical invariance, has proved advantageous in the classical theory.

Romanowicz, B. A.↗
NASA NTRS1977

National Geodetic Satellite Program, Part II: University of California, Los Angeles

Satellite orbit analyses are presented which were undertaken for: (1) reasons of insight and economy; (2) obtaining geophysically interesting tesseral harmonics; (3) comparing effects of tracking station location error drag, radiation pressure, and luni-solar attraction to tesseral harmonic effects; and (4) combination of satellite and terrestrial data. The analyses were divided into the following phases: (1) MINITRACK interferometry; early Baker-Nunn camera directions; (2) late Baker-Nunn camera directions; and (3) combined Baker-Nunn camera and TRANET Doppler data.

Kaula, W. M.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Periodic gravitational perturbations for conversion between osculating and mean orbit elements

Algorithms for converting between osculating and mean orbit elements are currently limited to computing the contribution due to the second zonal harmonic (J2). This paper presents an improved conversion algorithm that includes the effects of all zonal, sectorial and tesseral harmonics, second order J2, and third-body gravitational perturbations. Mean elements are useful for preliminary orbit and maneuver design; however, for more precise work, such as groundtrack targeting, osculating elements are required. This improved conversion algorithm was developed to meet accuracy requirements for the TOPEX/Poseidon mission; but, additional use can be considered for satellites orbiting planets like Venus that do not have a dominant J2. Results are presented from tests performed using the new algorithm with the planned TOPEX/Poseidon earth orbit as well as the Mars Observer and proposed circular Magellan (Venus) orbits.

Guinn, Joseph R.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Tesseral resonance on Imp 4 orbit.

The supersynchronous resonance occurred because the orbital period of 4 1/3 days was nearly commensurate with the earth's rotational period. The satellite was launched on May 24, 1967. The perturbation due to commensurability is discussed, giving attention to the ground track of the longitude at perigee passage and the effect of the tesseral harmonic on the time of perigee passage. The measurement of the time of perigee passage of Imp 4 is accurate enough to provide a stringent test of the third-degree tesseral terms in the model of the earth's gravitational field.

Lowrey, B. E.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Recent advances in analytical satellite theory

Recent work on analytical satellite perturbation theory has involved the completion of a revision to 4th order for zonal harmonics, the addition of a treatment for ocean tides, an extension of the treatment for the noninertial reference system, and the completion of a theory for direct solar-radiation pressure and earth-albedo pressure. Combined with a theory for tesseral-harmonics, lunisolar, and body-tide perturbations, these formulations provide a comprehensive orbit-computation program. Detailed comparisons with numerical integration and observations are presented to assess the accuracy of each theoretical development.

Gaposchkin, E. M.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Perturbations of non-resonant satellite orbits due to a rotating earth

The dominant perturbations of the motion of a satellite near the earth are due to atmospheric drag and the non-symmetrical gravitational field. Atmospheric drag perturbation continually pulls the satellite in and out of the different long period resonant frequencies. The result is that the resonances never become apparent and may be neglected. The tesseral harmonics have no true secular perturbation but the periodicities in the mean motion induce a secular perturbation in the mean anomaly. This secular perturbation may be determined by simply using the average mean motion instead of the osculating mean motion. The Von Ziepel method is used to determine tesseral perturbations. The solution is found first in the singular DS phi elements and then rewritten in the PS phi elements to remove singularities. The notation used in the development is described in the appendix.

Mueller, A.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Some higher order analyses of earth and lunar orbiters

The accurate modelling of the translational behavior of a drag-free satellite in an almost circular near-earth orbit is investigated. All short and long period position fluctuations in the satellite's coordinates down to 1 m are determined. The general zonal and tesseral harmonic effects are considered as well as lunar and solar effects. A noncanonical approach is followed. A mean orbital plane is chosen so that no short period out-of-plane fluctuations greater than second order occur. Short period radial and cross-track fluctuations and in-track fluctuations are computed. Long period and secular rates of the mean elements which define the slowly varying plane of reference are determined to third order in the small quantities. The equations of motion are integrated analytically away from critical inclination and tesseral resonance. The resonant situation of a sun-synchronous orbit is discussed as a special case. The long-period behavior of a lunar orbiter is also considered, including the effects due to the inclination of the earth's apparent orbit about the moon and those described by Cassini laws on the equations of motion. Both resonant and nonresonant low orbits, and high orbits are discussed.

Dasenbrock, R. R.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Tesseral resonance on IMP-4 orbit

Tesseral harmonics of Explorer 34 satellite orbit perturbation in time of perigee passage due to third harmonic of earth gravitational field

Lowrey, B. E.↗
NASA NTRS1969

A preliminary design of a drag-free satellite and its application to geodesy

The design of a drag-free satellite and its application to measuring tidal interaction of the earth and tesseral harmonics are discussed. Principle areas of discussion are: (1) the feasibility of making geophysical measurements which are not possible with conventional satellites, and (2) design of attitude and translation control systems for spinning vehicle and possible coupling of attitude and translation control for gravity stabilized vehicles.

Lange, B. O.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Mars physical parameters as determined from Mariner 9 observations of the natural satellites

Derivation of values for the Mars gravity field, as well as the mass and spin axis direction, by processing combined radio and optical data taken with the Mariner 9 spacecraft. The optical data consists of 62 TV photographs of Phobos and Deimos taken during the Mars orbiting phase of Mariner 9. The radio data consists of apoapsis state vectors obtained from 195 one-revolution fits of the Doppler data. A first-order analytic theory is used to model both the satellites and the spacecraft's motion. However, the shallow resonance condition of Mariner 9's orbit necessitated development of a partial second-order theory to model the long-period perturbations which derive from Mars even-order tesseral harmonics. Use of an analytic theory allows rapid and inexpensive processing of both data types simultaneously. The results are in good agreement with those previously published from Mariner 9 Doppler and landmark data.

Born, G. H.↗