Broadcasting Satellite in a Geocentric Kepler Orbit
Broadcasting Satellite in a Geocentric Kepler Orbit
This Demonstration shows the motion of a satellite with negligible mass in an elliptical orbit around the Earth, approximated as perfectly spherical. Earth's axis of rotation and a projected point on the Earth's surface are provided as references. The inclination is the angle of elevation of the orbit from the reference plane defined by the Earth's equator. The RAAN (right ascension of ascending node) is the angle between the point at which the satellite crosses the reference plane in the upward direction and the reference direction (toward the first point of Aries in geocentric orbits). The argument of perigee is the angle between perigee and the ascending node.