What Are the Time Units for Mean Anomaly Calculation?

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SUMMARY

The time units for Mean Anomaly calculation, represented by the equation M(t) = M0 + n (t - t0), depend on the units used for the Mean Motion (n). Specifically, if n is calculated using SI units, it will be in s-1, making the time variable (t) measured in seconds. Therefore, to ensure M(t) remains unitless, the choice of time units must align with the units used for n.

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  • Understanding of orbital mechanics and satellite dynamics
  • Familiarity with the concept of Mean Anomaly
  • Knowledge of SI units and their application in physics
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations
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Aerospace engineers, astrophysicists, and students studying orbital mechanics will benefit from this discussion, particularly those involved in satellite trajectory analysis and prediction.

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M(t) = M0 + n (t - t0)

where M(t) = the Mean Anomaly at time t;
M0 = the Mean Anomaly at the Epoch time;
n = (G*(Me+Msat)/a^2)^.5 = the satellite orbit's Mean Motion;
t = the chosen prediction time; and
t0 = the Epoch time.

My question is what are the time units in (Days, Hours, etc)?
 
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They're in whatever units would make M(t) unitless, so they depend on what units you use to calculate n. If you use SI, n should be in units of s^-1, so t should be in seconds.
 

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