Completing satellite's state vector by given info

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on completing the state vector of a satellite orbiting Earth with a period of 110 minutes. The ascending node's state vector is given as rAN = [4500, 7100, 0]T km, while the northernmost latitude state vector is rn = [1700, ?, 7000]T km. The key elements to determine include the semi-major axis (a), eccentricity (e), inclination (i), argument of periapsis (ω), and longitude of ascending node (Ω). The solution involves vector calculus and understanding the relationship between the vectors at the ascending node and northernmost point.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of satellite state vectors and orbital mechanics
  • Familiarity with Kepler's laws of planetary motion
  • Knowledge of vector calculus and cross products
  • Basic concepts of orbital elements: semi-major axis, eccentricity, inclination
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of orbital elements from state vectors
  • Learn about the two-body problem and its generalized solutions
  • Explore vector calculus applications in orbital mechanics
  • Research the significance of the ascending node and its relation to satellite orbits
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, orbital mechanics students, and satellite navigation specialists will benefit from this discussion, particularly those involved in calculating satellite trajectories and orbital parameters.

CptHeadCrab
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A satellite is orbiting Earth with a period time of T=110 min.
At the ascending node, the state vector of the satellite is rAN =[4500 7100 ?]T km
At the northernmost latitude, the state vector of the satellite is rn=[1700 ? 7000]T km. The question marks imply that the information is missing.

The question asks to complete the vectors, and find orbit's elements: a, e, i, ω, Ω

Homework Equations


Given a state vector of a satellite, rAN =[x y z]T km
the latitude is:
upload_2015-4-19_9-41-23.png

there is also the following Kepler rule:
upload_2015-4-19_9-44-7.png

and the 2 body problem generalized solution:
upload_2015-4-19_9-57-4.png

where:
upload_2015-4-19_9-59-2.png

though i don't think the last two would help solving the missing vector.

The Attempt at a Solution


Well completing the rAN is quite easy as it's known that the ascending node is at the equator plane, thus: rAN =[4500 7100 0]T km.

It is also known that the latitude of the northernmost point is the inclination angle (i).

Finding a (the semi major axis) is possible by knowing period time:
upload_2015-4-19_9-38-1.png


was trying to use cross product of rAN and rn and thought that the angle between them is the latitude, but then i figured out i was completely wrong.

I think there's some vector calculus to be done but not sure what exactly.
Your help is appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Perhaps the angle between the two vectors must be 90 degrees? It might not be the perigee point. Just figured it out by playing with the perigee angle..the northernmost point will remain 90 degrees from the ascending node. What do you guys think?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K