AAS 96-140

THE ORBITAL MOTION OF THE MARTIAN SATELLITES: AN APPLICATION OF ARTIFICIAL SATELLITE THEORY

R. A. Jacobson, Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Abstract

This paper describes our extended Sinclair-Morley analytical theory for the Martian satellites. The theory's foundation is the artificial satellite theory of Brouwer. In the paper we outline the original theory, present our modifications and additional terms, and compare the theory with numerical integration. The latter comparison includes an examination of the effects of neglected terms. We also provide a comparison with one of the other competing dynamical Martian satellite theories, namely the ESAPHO/ESADE theory of Chapornt-Touz. Finally we discuss the limitations of the theory in the context of its use to support JPL's Mars Exploration Program.