PERTURBATION IN ORBITAL ELEMENTS OF A HIGH ELLIPTICAL ORBIT OF SATELLITE CONSTELLATIONS

This work aim to study the effects of various perturbations on the motion of satellites constellation in high elliptical inclined orbit in order to make continuous coverage. A computational model developed at Space Systems Dynamics Laboratory, Kyushu University to study the effect of these perturbations on Molniya and Tundra satellite constellations for various periods one, five and 10 years. The equations of motion under effect of these perturbations forces are solved numerically using Gaussian equations. The results show that the satellites constellation in Molniya orbit have stability under effect of gravity of third body more than Tundra orbit in order to make a continuous coverage.