Modified equations for the determination of odd zonal harmonics

Abstract

The development of the analytical theory of the motion of an artificial satellite (Berger, 1972–1975) points out the great importance of the second, third order and coupling terms between zonal harmonics. These terms have been added to the equations established byKing-Hele andCook (1968–1973) for the determination of odd zonal harmonics. This solution is compared with theirs. It satisfies all the equations much better and especially the equations relating to near-critical inclination satellites.