Application of semianalytical satellite theories to precision orbit determination

Those factors which limit the usefulness of current implementations of the semianalytical approach are discussed. Numerical and analytical enhancements to the semianalytical approach are considered. A simple mathematical model is provided to estimate the computational speed of a semianalytical theory employing the suggested enhancements. The model can factor in current experience with semianalytical theories (integration stepsizes, quadrature orders, speed of recursive formulations, etc.) and the characteristics of the particular output requirement (observation span (or orbit determination interval), observation rate, observation model, etc.). Comparisons with numerical integration are suggested.