Equations of Motion for Tether-connected Dumb-bell Satellites System under Various Perturbations of General Nature

Abstract

The work represents the equations of motion for a system of two tether-connected artificial satellites under the influence of several perturbations of general nature. The set of equations is non-linear, non-homogeneous and non-autonomous second order differential equations. In our problem, the tether is taken as non-conducting, light, flexible and inelastic in nature. We have treated the problem by taking six perturbative forces on the system simultaneously. Out of six perturbations, three perturbations exist due to influence of the earth, namely geo-magnetic field, shadow and oblateness. The other three perturbations are due to the air drag, solar light pressure and wobbling of the orbit of centre of mass of the system. The motion of the system is studied relative to its centre of mass. It is considered that the centre of mass of the system moves in a Keplerian elliptical orbit.