Analysis of the effects of mean local node-crossing time on the evolution of Sun-synchronous orbits

Details Analysis of the effects of mean local node-crossing time on the evolution of Sun-synchronous orbits Analysis of the effects of mean local node-crossing time on the evolution of Sun-synchronous orbits

Feb 1993

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1993fmet.symp..177j&link_type=abstract

In its Flight Mechanics/Estimation Theory Symposium, 1992 p 177-190 (SEE N93-24694 09-13)

Physics

Diurnal Variations, Drift Rate, Geopotential, Noaa Satellites, Precession, Solar Gravitation, Solar Orbits, Synchronism, Synchronous Satellites, Bulging, Drag, Perturbation

Scientific paper

An investigation of the effect of mean local node-crossing time on the evolution of Sun-synchronous orbits was undertaken during Phase-A orbit analysis for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) O,P,Q environmental spacecraft. That analysis added to the growing body of evidence that individual Sun-synchronous missions, at differing node-crossing times, experience nodal drift rates that can differ in both magnitude and direction. A Sun-synchronous orbit is obtained by means of a nodal drift rate approximating the 0.9856-degree-per-day apparent precession of the position of the mean Sun. This drift rate is achieved through the interaction of the orbital semimajor axis and inclination in Earth's geopotential field. Influencing perturbations include atmospheric drag and, most important, the effects of solar gravitation on inclination. The present analysis examines a series of Sun-synchronous orbits with mean local node-crossing times at 1-hour intervals from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. It considers the fixed geometry of each orbital plane with respect to both the Sun and the diurnal atmospheric bulge, then analyzes the influence of these features upon the evolution of the semimajor axix and inclination and thus upon the rate of the nodal drift in the course of 1 year.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Analysis of the effects of mean local node-crossing time on the evolution of Sun-synchronous orbits does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Analysis of the effects of mean local node-crossing time on the evolution of Sun-synchronous orbits, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Analysis of the effects of mean local node-crossing time on the evolution of Sun-synchronous orbits will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1273713