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Low thrust orbit raising with J2 regression

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 July 2016

C. R. Mclnnes
C. R. Mclnnes*
Affiliation:
Department of Aerospace Engineering, University of GlasgowGlasgow, UK
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Abstract

Closed form solutions for low thrust orbit raising are well known for mission analysis and vehicle performance prediction. This paper provides extended solutions which include nodal regression through the effect of the J2 oblateness term in the geopotential. Since regression is a strong function of orbit radius, the resulting change in ascending node angle is coupled to the in-plane orbital motion. However, it is demonstrated that the resulting dynamical equations may be separated and solved sequentially. Nodal regression during orbit raising is of importance for solar electric vehicles due to the resulting variation of sun aspect angle and eclipse conditions.

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 101 , Issue 1007 , September 1997 , pp. 295 - 298
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 1997 

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