Accession Number:

AD0672027

Title:

A NUMERICAL INVESTIGATION OF LOW ALTITUDE, LOW ECCENTRICITY ORBITS SUSTAINED BY IMPULSIVE THRUST, COTANGENT TRANSFER MANEUVERS.

Descriptive Note:

Masters thesis,

Corporate Author:

AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OHIO SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

Personal Author(s):

• Monroe,Kent M.

Report Date:

1968-06-01

Pagination or Media Count:

120.0

Abstract:

The paper presents a numerical investigation of the extension of orbital lifetimes for low altitude, nearly circular orbits through the use of cotangent transfer maneuvers performed by impulsive thrust applications. Lifetime comparisons are made with corresponding continuous thrust lifetimes computed for a circular orbit at 600 thousand feet. The results of the investigation reveal that the impulsively sustained orbit is less efficient than the continuous thrust orbit. A supporting investigation of the drag perturbed transfer orbit revealed significant changes in the impulse requirement, transfer time, and transfer distance when compared to the two-body prediction. Author

Descriptors:

• *CIRCULAR ORBITS
• *LOW ORBIT TRAJECTORIES
• THRUST
• DRAG
• RAREFIED GAS DYNAMICS
• LIFE EXPECTANCY(SERVICE LIFE)
• ATMOSPHERE MODELS
• EQUATORIAL ORBITS
• TRANSFER TRAJECTORIES
• EFFICIENCY
• COMPUTER PROGRAMS
• NUMERICAL METHODS AND PROCEDURES
• THESES

Subject Categories:

• Spacecraft Trajectories and Reentry

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE