Characterizing doubly-averaged dynamical models in medium earth orbit

Understanding long term stability in the GNSS region is crucial to maintaining this orbital regime. Averaged dynamics pose a useful tool for running long term analysis on these orbits for low computational power and quick run times. Because this region is subject to luni-solar resonances, averaged d...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Acta astronautica 2022-05, Vol.194, p.126-144
Main Authors: Pellegrino, Marielle M., Scheeres, Daniel J., Streetman, Brett J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Averaging theory
Chaos
Dynamic models
Dynamic stability
Dynamics
Earth orbits
Initial conditions
Long term
MEO
Orbital stability
Radiation pressure
Solar radiation
Space debris
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Summary:Understanding long term stability in the GNSS region is crucial to maintaining this orbital regime. Averaged dynamics pose a useful tool for running long term analysis on these orbits for low computational power and quick run times. Because this region is subject to luni-solar resonances, averaged dynamics do not necessarily closely match the actual dynamics. This paper seeks to understand how to utilize averaged dynamics to characterize regions of strongly dynamic secular eccentricity growth despite these disagreements. By analyzing the distribution of a set of initial conditions, we are able to describe the general dynamics of the region with far less computational effort. This paper also builds upon existing models for doubly-averaged solar radiation pressure to examine how high area-to-mass ratio objects can be studied in this region. •This paper leverages the rapid computation of averaged models in unstable environments.•This paper characterizes the performance of averaged solutions through a Monte Carlo analysis.•This paper improves the doubly averaged model of solar radiation pressure for HAMR objects.•This paper studies the degree of confidence researchers can have in models used for long time-spans.
ISSN:0094-5765
1879-2030
DOI:10.1016/j.actaastro.2021.12.057