AAS 98-210

TRAJECTORY PROPAGATION USING HIGH-ORDER NUMERICAL INTEGRATORS

G. Der - TRW

Abstract

This paper compares the efficiency of four high-order numerical integrators (Shank's Runge-Kutta eighth-order, Nystrom fourth-order, Adams Bashforth Moulton eighth-order predictor corrector, Gauss-Jackson 9/11-order predictor-corrector) for Earth satellite trajectory propagation over long time spans. These integrators are formulated specifically for first and second order differential equations as well as the special perturbations methods of Cowell and Variation-of-Parameters. Efficiency is concerned with computational timing, accuracy, stability and ease of use. By long time spans we mean a few hours or days. Several Runge-Kutta integrators are used to generate reference trajectories. Depending on the order of the differential equations of motion and the special perturbations methods, the specialized integrators have markedly different performances.

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