A third-order theory for the effect of drag on Earth satellite orbits

Abstract

Analytical theory for the motion of near-Earth satellite orbits with the air drag effect is developed in terms of the KS elements, utilizing an analytical oblate exponential atmospheric model. The series expansions include up to cubic terms in e (eccentricity) and c (a small parameter dependent on the flattening of the atmosphere). Due to the symmetry of the KS element equations, only one of the eight equations is integrated analytically to obtain the state vector at the end of each revolution. Numerical comparisons are made with nine test cases, selected to cover a wide range of eccentricity with perigee heights near to 300 km at three different inclinations. A comparison of three orbital parameters: semi-major axis, eccentricity and argument of perigee, perturbed by air drag with oblate atmosphere is made with the previously developed second-order theory. It is found that with the present theory with increase in eccentricity there is improvement in semi-major axis and eccentricity computations over the second-order theory.