Orbital Mechanics: A Learning Tool on the Main Frame

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA218799 | Open PDF

Abstract:

This thesis consists of an interactive program that enables the student to study the orbital motion of satellites around the earth. The student can investigate the shape of a variety of orbits by varying the initial position and velocity of the satellite, or by supplying select orbital parameters i.e. initial orbital radius, eccentricity, and inclination. Satellite maneuvers can also be studied, like transfer orbits and inclination changes, by command velocity changes at any location in the orbit. Also the effects of the perturbing forces due to the oblateness of the earth, drag for low earth orbits, and gravitational attraction from the sun and moon can be investigated. The orbits are displayed in either the perifocal coordinate system around a model of the earth, or the ground track can be displayed on a map of the world. Orbital data is displayed below the orbital plot. The display is enabled by the use of display integrated software system and plotting language DISSPLA subroutines. Orbital mechanics, Unperturbed and perturbed orbit, FORTRAN program, DISSPLA graphics.

Author(s):
Vraa, Anthony A.
Author Organization(s):
NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA
Descriptive Note:
Master's thesis
Pagination:
0098

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Monitor Series:
NPS
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_3.1.1_Maneuver to Engage; JCA_3.1_Maneuver; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_3.2_Engagement
Communities of Interest:
Space
Descriptor(s):
*ARTIFICIAL SATELLITES, *MOTION, *ORBITS, INTEGRATED SYSTEMS, EARTH ORBITS, LOW ORBIT TRAJECTORIES, MODELS, STUDENTS, INTERACTIONS, TOOLS, TRACKING, DISPLAY SYSTEMS, FORTRAN, COORDINATES, SLOPE, LANGUAGE, MAPS, PERTURBATIONS, FRAMES, TRANSFER, SUBROUTINES, DRAG, EARTH(PLANET), MILITARY PUBLICATIONS, LEARNING, PLOTTING, PERIODICALS, RADIUS(MEASURE), MOON, ECCENTRICITY, CELESTIAL MECHANICS, SUN, GLOBAL, MANEUVERING SATELLITES, VELOCITY, COMPUTER PROGRAMS
Field(s)/Group(s):
Space Navigation and Guidance, Unmanned Spacecraft
Report Date:
1989 Sep 01