Analytical approach using KS elements to short-term orbit predictions including J 2

Abstract

Analytical solutions using KS elements are derived. The perturbation considered is the Earth's zonal harmonic J 2. The series expansions include terms of fourth power in the eccentricity. Only two of the nine KS element equations are integrated analytically due to the reasons of symmetry. The analytical solution is suitable for short-term orbit computations. Numerical studies show that reasonably good estimates of the orbital elements can be obtained in one step of 10 to 30 degrees of eccentric anomaly for near-Earth orbits of moderate eccentricity. For application purposes, the analytical solution can be effectively used for onboard computation in the navigation and guidance packages, where the modelling of J 2 effect becomes necessary.