Abstract
The dynamic model adopted for the motion of a satellite includes the first order short–period and secular perturbations of the orbital elements due to earth’s oblateness and other perturbations of the elements are represented by polynomials in time up to the third degree.
The values of the six basic elements at a given time, together with such polynomial coefficients as are required, are determined from a set of observations by a differential correction technique. In this procedure the observation times and angles are weighted according to a priori estimates of their accuracy. In addition to the estimates of the orbital parameters, estimates of their variances and covariances are also determined.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Merson, R. H.: Techniques of Analysing Terrestrial Radio and Optical Observations of Earth Satellites. Astr. Acta, 5, No. 1 (1959).
Cornford, E. C.: A Comparison of Orbital Theory with Observations made in the United Kingdom on the Russian Satellites. Paper presented at 5th C.S.A.G.I. Assembly, Moscow (1958).
Tayler, R. J.: Orbital Elements of Sputnik 3 (1958, 3 2), Wisseled Note (September, 1960).
King-Hele, D. G., and R. J. Tayler: Orbital Elements of Sputnik 3 Rocket (1958, 5 1) Unissued note (June 1959).
Merson, R. H.: The Motion of a Satellite in an Axi-symmetric Gravitational Field. Geophys. J. 4 (1961).
Veis, G.: Research in Space Science, Special Report No. 23, Smithsonian Institution Astrophysical Observatory (March 1959).
H. M. Nautical Almanac Office: Explanatory Supplement to the Astronomical Ephemeris. London, H. M. S. 0. 1961.
Garfinkel, B.: An Investigation in the Theory of Astronomical Refraction. Astronom. J. 50, No. 8, 169–179 (Feb. 1944).
Brown, D. C.: RCA Data Reduction Technical Report No. 393 A Treatment of Analytical Photogrammetry (with emphasis on ballistic camera applications). AFMTC-TR-57-22. ASTIA DOCUMENT No. 124144. (August 1957).
Kaula, W. M.: A Geoid and World Geodetic System based on a Combination of Gravimetric, Astrogeodic and Satellite Data. Techn. Note NASA TN D-702 (May 1961).
King-Hele, D. G..: The Earth’s Gravitational Potential,deduced from the Orbits of Artificial Satellites. Geophys. J. 4 (1961).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1963 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
About this paper
Cite this paper
Merson, R.H. (1963). A Pegasus computer programme for the improvement of the orbital parameters of an earth-satellite. In: Roy, M. (eds) Dynamics of Satellites / Dynamique des Satellites. IUTAM Symposia. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-48130-7_9
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-48130-7_9
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-642-48132-1
Online ISBN: 978-3-642-48130-7
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive