Minimizing Secular J2 Perturbation Effects on Satellite Formations

摘要

The purpose of this thesis is to examine the secular effects of the J2 oblateness perturbation on close proximity satellites. The main objective is to analyze the deputy's position and velocity with respect to the chief and adjust the initial conditions of the deputy in an attempt to minimize the secular effects of J2 perturbations. Previous work has provided a method of obtaining a closed form solution for J2 invariance with co-planar orbits. Therefore, this work will primarily consider deputy orbits that experience motion outside of the chief's orbital plane Upon determining the required initial conditions, the invariance will be verified through numerical integration. The method will be considered successful when it is able to reduce secular effects to near numerical tolerances.