Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
May 2010
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2010ap%26ss.327...83h&link_type=abstract
Astrophysics and Space Science, Volume 327, Issue 1, pp.83-89
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Non-Singular Potential, Lagrange Planetary Equations, Disturbing Potential, Eccentricity Functions, Hansen Coefficients, Grace
Scientific paper
We study the effects of a non-singular gravitational potential on satellite orbits by deriving the corresponding time rates of change of its orbital elements. This is achieved by expanding the non-singular potential into power series up to second order. This series contains three terms, the first been the Newtonian potential and the other two, here R 1 (first order term) and R 2 (second order term), express deviations of the singular potential from the Newtonian. These deviations from the Newtonian potential are taken as disturbing potential terms in the Lagrange planetary equations that provide the time rates of change of the orbital elements of a satellite in a non-singular gravitational field. We split these effects into secular, low and high frequency components and we evaluate them numerically using the low Earth orbiting mission Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE). We show that the secular effect of the second-order disturbing term R 2 on the perigee and the mean anomaly are 4″.307×10-9/ a, and -2″.533×10-15/ a, respectively. These effects are far too small and most likely cannot easily be observed with today’s technology. Numerical evaluation of the low and high frequency effects of the disturbing term R 2 on low Earth orbiters like GRACE are very small and undetectable by current observational means.
Haranas Ioannis
Pagiatakis Spiros
No associations
LandOfFree
Satellite motion in a non-singular gravitational potential 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 Satellite motion in a non-singular gravitational potential, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Satellite motion in a non-singular gravitational potential will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1892618