The eccentricity growth phenomenon for MEO navigation satellites

Abstract

Lunisolar resonances shape the dynamics in the MEO region and have the effect of increasing an object’s eccentricity possibly up to a value so high that the orbit’s perigee reaches the atmosphere and friction determines the re-entry. The focus of this paper is the eccentricity growth phenomenon observed for navigation satellites. In particular, starting from a secular Hamiltonian model, analytical estimates for the maximum eccentricity reachable along an inclination-only dependent lunisolar resonance are derived as a function of the initial inclination. Also, trajectories that minimize an object’s lifetime are studied, and analytical estimates for such a minimum lifetime are provided as a function of the initial eccentricity of the object. In addition, lifetime cartography maps are presented in the plane of the argument of perigee and the longitude of the ascending node.