A satellite theory and its applications

• Main Author: Wu, Jain-Ming
• Format: Others
• Published: 1965
• Online Access: https://thesis.library.caltech.edu/160/1/Wu_jm_1965.pdf; Wu, Jain-Ming (1965) A satellite theory and its applications. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/2XH7-1828. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-01142004-104844 <https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-01142004-104844>

A theory of an Earth satellite has been developed by considering the Earth's bulge, atmospheric drag and the rotation of the atmosphere simultaneously. The equations of motion have been set up on a tilted equatorial plane coordinate system. All of the orbital variables have been expanded in a series in terms of a perturbative force parameter based on the Keplerian orbit. These equations have been linearized and then solved. By means of geometrical arguments, all of the above solutions have been expressed in the form of conventional orbital elements. In the limiting case, these solutions agree with the classical values. One previously neglected effect, the rotation of the line of apsides by drag, is identified and evaluated. The results have been used to show the correction due to the effect of the above-mentioned forces on the Earth's gravitational potential.