AAS 97-101

ALTERNATIVE ORBITAL MECHANICS ANALYSIS

R. H. Jacobson, Casper, WY

Abstract

The computations for orbital mechanics can be simplified using two velocity components which remain constant in magnitude throughout an orbit. One is perpendicular to the position vector (Q) and the other is perpendicular to the major axis (C). Eccentricity, semi-major axis, velocity and position vectors can be expressed in terms of Q and C. A new Q and C for an altered orbit can be found as well as the orbit's orientation and the true anomaly at the point of change. One can reverse the process and find the impulse thrust required to establish a new orbit.