On initial orbit determination

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (24) References (9) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS On initial orbit determination Taff, L. G. Abstract The classical methods of initial orbit determination are brought together within a larger viewpoint. This new synthesis stresses that all such techniques follow one of three approaches. Either they seek to compute the orbital element set, or its equivalent, by attacking the differential equations of motion (Laplace), the first integrals of the equations of motion (Taff), or the solution itself (Gauss). The particular technique pursued within a given type of approach should depend upon the nature of the observational data, the amount of a priori information one is willing to presume, and the object of the exercise. This might be a binary star system, a moon, a minor planet, or an artificial satellite. The efficacy of some algorithms for each approach is discussed briefly. Unfortunately, none of them work very well. Extensions of these techniques to radars or laser radars are trivial and have provided no new insights into the overall problem. Publication: The Astronomical Journal Pub Date: September 1984 DOI: 10.1086/113644 Bibcode: 1984AJ.....89.1426T Keywords: Artificial Satellites; Binary Stars; Lunar Orbits; Orbit Calculation; Orbital Elements; Differential Equations; Equations Of Motion; Gauss Equation; Laplace Equation; Astronomy full text sources ADS |