Comparison of satellite theories

The accuracy of five mathematical models in computing a nominal orbit for the Vanguard 2 satellite by using a position velocity vector is considered. Either numerical integration or analytical theories are used in all models as well as the same force model that corresponds to a potential with the zonal harmonics to order four. The amounts of spread in the values of the total energy and the z-component of the angular momentum for a set of times are considered as measures of accuracy.