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The Future of Artificial Satellite Theories: Hybrid Ephemeris Compression Model

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 April 2016

Felix R. Hoots  and
Richard G. France
Felix R. Hoots
Affiliation:
GRC International Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
Richard G. France
Affiliation:
GRC International Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA

Abstract

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Since the time of Newton, astrodynamics has focused on the analytical solution of orbital problems. This was driven by the desire to obtain a theoretical understanding of the motion and the practical desire to be able to produce a computational result. Only with the advent of the computer did numerical integration become a practical consideration for solving dynamical problems. Although computer technology is not yet to the point of being able to provide numerical integration support for all satellite orbits, we are in a transition period which is being driven by the unprecedented increase in computational power. This transition will affect the future of analytical, semi-analytical and numerical artificial satellite theories in a dramatic way. In fact, the role for semi-analytical theories may disappear. During the time of transition, a central site may have the capacity to maintain the orbits using numerical integration, but the user may not have such a capacity or may need results in a more timely manner. One way to provide for this transition need is through the use of some type of satellite ephemeris compression. Through the combined use of a power series and a Fourier series, good quality ephemeris compression has been achieved for 7 day periods. The ephemeris compression requires less than 40 terms and is valid for all eccentricities and inclinations.

Type
Dynamics and Astrometry: Present and Future
Information
International Astronomical Union Colloquium , Volume 165: Dynamics and Astrometry of Natural and Artificial Celestial Bodies , 1997 , pp. 51 - 60
Copyright
Copyright © Kluwer 1997

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