Abstract
The calculation of the times of future close approaches between pairs of satellites has been formulated using analytical techniques. The resulting analytical equations are solved using numerical iterative techniques similar to solving Kepler's equation. A solution is obtained in a very efficient manner by use of a series of prefilters which eliminate many cases from further consideration. The method is valid for all values of eccentricities less than one and all relative geometries between the two orbits. This approach produces results in a very efficient and reliable manner.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Hoots, F.R., Crawford, L.L. & Roehrich, R.L. An analytic method to determine future close approaches between satellites. Celestial Mechanics 33, 143–158 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01234152
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01234152