Date of Award

3-14-2008

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Astronautical Engineering

Department

Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics

First Advisor

William W. Wiesel, PhD

Abstract

Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite orbits are modeled using Kolmogorov, Arnold, Moser (KAM) tori. Precise Global Positioning System satellite locations are analyzed using Fourier transforms to identify the three basis frequencies in an Earth Centered, Earth Fixed (ECEF) rotating reference frame. The three fundamental frequencies are 1) the anomalistic frequency, 2) a combination of earth’s rotational frequency and the nodal regression rate, and 3) the apsidial regression rate. A KAM tori model fit to the satellite data could be used to predict future satellite locations. This model would allow rapid determination with fewer computational requirements than the typical method of integrating through an orbit.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GA-ENY-08-M09

DTIC Accession Number

ADA481056

Included in

Astrodynamics Commons

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