Motion Modeling of Two Linked Satellites in the Earth’s Gravitational Field for Solving Gravimetric Problems

Abstract

Motion modeling of two low-orbit linked satellites for measuring the Earth’s gravitational field parameters is presented. The model takes the factors that affect the satellite motion into account, such as nonspherical geopotential, atmospheric drag, tides, and third-body effects from the Moon, Sun, and planets of the Solar System. As a result of modeling, a search for the optimal configuration of satellites for completion of scientific tasks and possibility of technical realization is performed.