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 Bain, PhD

Abstract

An investigation is conducted into low orbiting satellites around the planet Venus with drag limited lifetimes. It is possible to specify combinations of orbital elements which result in orbital lifetimes in excess of some desired value. These combinations can be assembled into Critical Curves and Critical surfaces. Critical Curves and Surfaces are defined as curves and surfaces in orbital element space above which initial element sets will result in orbits that meet or exceed lifetime requirements. A numerical method is implemented for finding these combinations, and three Critical Surfaces are examined. A decay threshold is selected for bounding satellite lifetime. Numerical simulations are conducted, and polynomials describing the Critical Curves are produced for five eccentricities at each of three decay threshold values. Comparisons are made of the effects of the different perturbations considered (geopotential, atmospheric drag, third body effects due to the sun, and solar radiation pressure).

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GA-ENY-90D-12

DTIC Accession Number

ADA230756

Comments

The author's Vita page is omitted.

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