How do you calculate orbital trajectory?

The orbit formula, r = (h2/μ)/(1 + ecos θ), gives the position of body m2 in its orbit around m1 as a function of the true anomaly. For many practical reasons, we need to be able to determine the position of m2 as a function of time. For elliptical orbits, we have a formula for the period T (Eq.

What are orbital perturbations?

Perturbation, in astronomy, a disturbance in the orbit or motion of a heavenly body. In the solar system perturbations affect the planets, their satellites, and comets. Over long periods of time, perturbations may affect the size, shape, or position of the orbit of a heavenly body.

What is orbital trajectory?

The terms trajectory and orbit both refer to the path of a body in space. Trajectory is commonly used in connection with projectiles and is often associated with paths of limited extent, i. e., paths having clearly identified initial and end points.

What are the main source of orbital perturbations?

Main external perturbations come from Sun and Moon. When a satellite is near to these external bodies, it receives a stronger gravitational pull. Low-orbit satellites get affected due to friction caused by collision with atoms and ions.

What are the 6 orbital elements?

Following are the orbital elements.

  • Semi major axis.
  • Eccentricity.
  • Mean anomaly.
  • Argument of perigee.
  • Inclination.
  • Right ascension of ascending node.

What is the difference between a Type I and Type II trajectory?

Type I and II Trajectories If the interplanetary trajectory carries the spacecraft less than 180 degrees around the sun, it’s called a Type-I Trajectory. If the trajectory carries it 180 degrees or more around the sun, it’s called a Type-II.

What’s the difference between orbital mechanics and Astrodynamics?

According to Wikipedia, there is no difference.

What are the two main sources of orbital perturbations?

Comparatively, the main sources of perturbations for the geosynchronous orbit are the J2 term perturbation and the third body attraction. The solar radiation should also be considered if the area/mass ratio is large.

What is the purpose of orbital perturbation analysis?

Orbital perturbation analysis is the activity of determining why a satellite’s orbit differs from the mathematical ideal orbit. A satellite’s orbit in an ideal two-body system describes a conic section, usually an ellipse. In reality, there are several factors that cause the conic section to continually change.

How are general differential equations solved by perturbation?

In methods of general perturbations, general differential equations, either of motion or of change in the orbital elements, are solved analytically, usually by series expansions. The result is usually expressed in terms of algebraic and trigonometric functions of the orbital elements of the body in question and the perturbing bodies.

How does perturbation affect the shape of an orbit?

Because the perturbing force is different in direction and magnitude on opposite sides of the orbit, it produces a change in the shape of the orbit. In astronomy, perturbation is the complex motion of a massive body subject to forces other than the gravitational attraction of a single other massive body.

How is elevation angle related to orbital perturbations?

The following figure illustrates the elevation angle. Measure the vertical angle at earth station antenna from ground to satellite as shown in the figure. It represents elevation angle. Following are the orbital perturbations due to gravitational and non-gravitational forces or parameters.