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Analysis of orbital perturbations acting on objects in orbits near geosynchronous earth orbitThe paper presents a numerical investigation of orbital evolution for objects started in GEO or in orbits near GEO in order to study potential orbital debris problems in this region. Perturbations simulated include nonspherical terms in the earth's geopotential field, lunar and solar gravity, and solar radiation pressure. Objects simulated include large satellites, for which solar radiation pressure is insignificant, and small particles, for which solar radiation pressure is an important force. Results for large satellites are largely in agreement with previous GEO studies that used classical perturbation techniques. The orbit plane of GEO satellites placed in a stable plane orbit inclined approximately 7.3 deg to the equator experience very little precession, remaining always within 1.2 percent of their initial orientation. Solar radiation pressure generates two major effects on small particles: an orbital eccentricity oscillation anticipated from previous research, and an oscillation in orbital inclination.
Document ID
19920048473
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Friesen, Larry J.
(NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Jackson, Albert A., IV
(Lockheed Engineering and Sciences Co. Houston, TX, United States)
Zook, Herbert A.
(NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Kessler, Donald J.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
March 25, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 97
Issue: E3 M
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Astrodynamics
Accession Number
92A31097
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS9-17900
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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