Analysis of Parking Orbits for a STS External Tank in Low Earth Orbit

Author

James E. Cross

Date of Award

11-1990

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Astronautical Engineering

Department

Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics

First Advisor

Rodney D. Bain, PhD

Abstract

A study was conducted of a single external tank in low earth orbit. Criteria for a parking orbit are then defined. Various orbits are then selected by varying the semi-major axis, eccentricity, and inclination. The resulting equations of motion for each of the above orbits (including atmospheric drag and a 2x0 gravity model) are numerically integrated over a time span of 90 earth days. An examination was made of the lowest initial altitudes which allowed the external tank to remain in the orbit window.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GA-ENY-90D-02

DTIC Accession Number

ADA230530

Comments

The author's Vita page is omitted.

Recommended Citation

Cross, James E., "Analysis of Parking Orbits for a STS External Tank in Low Earth Orbit" (1990). Theses and Dissertations. 7901.
https://scholar.afit.edu/etd/7901