Question

What are the data elements used to describe an object's position and motion? How can satellite orbits be classified (i.e. put into categories)?

Answer 1

In space 6 orbital elements are used to specify position and motion. These are

1. semi major axis

2. eccentricity

3. arguement of perigee

4. RAAN

5. inclination of orbit

6. true anomaly

Types of satellite orbits are defined in distance from the earth

1. Geostationary orbits are orbits in which the satellite is always positioned over the same spot on Earth.. Television, communications and weather satellites all use geostationary orbits.

2. Low earth orbits satellites have effect of atmospheric heat and drag on them. The altitude generally ranges from about 100-1000Km..

3. In a polar orbit, the satellite generally flies at a low altitude and passes over the planet's poles on each revolution. The polar orbit remains fixed in space as Earth rotates inside the orbit. As a result, much of Earth passes under a satellite in a polar orbit. Because polar orbits achieve excellent coverage of the planet, they are often used for satellites that do mapping and photography.