GPS Satellite Perturbing Forces

Satellite perturbing forces are external influences (changes) on the orbital path of a satellite around an object. Some of the perturbing forces on satellites include gravitational fields from the sun and other planets, fluctuations in the Earth’s gravitational field, solar radiation, and atmospheric drag.

 Gravitational fields from other celestial bodies are called third body effects. As the satellite moves around the Earth, its orbital path is modified by the gravitational forces from moons and planets (such as the Earth’s moon and the Sun).

 The satellite orbit is also changed by fluctuations in the Earth’s gravitational field. These variations occur due to tide changes and variations in the surface and shape of the Earth.

 Solar radiation is the transferring of energy from the sun (such as in the form of photons) onto another object. Solar radiation can influence the position of a satellite as a result of the photons hitting the satellite (radiation pressure) when traveling from the sun and reflecting from the surface of the Earth. There is also an upward solar pressure effect from the light that is reflected from the Earth (called the “Albedo Effect’) to the satellite.

 Atmospheric drag is a force that is imposed on an object (such as an airplane or satellite) as it moves through the atmosphere. Because GPS satellites are located well above the atmosphere of the Earth, the atmospheric drag force is negligible.

 Figure 1.15 shows how external forces may alter satellite orbits. This diagram shows how a satellite experiences external influences from gravitational forces from the sun and the moon. The satellite also experiences forces from photons that hit the satellite from the sun and photons that hit the satellite as they are reflected from the Earth. This diagram also shows that variations of the Earth’s gravitational field influence the satellite’s orbit as well.

Satellite Perturbing Forces Diagram

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