The stability of the 24-hour satellite

Abstract

The perturbations of the 24-hour satellite, produced by the Moon, Sun and the aspherical shape of the Earth, are investigated. The most important influence of the lunar gravitational attraction is studied with the aid of numerical integration of the equations of motion. The shift of the satellite from its initial position is studied for an ideal 24-orbit. The principal shift will have a periodical character with an amplitude of about 10°. © 1961.