Ideal frame and multi-revolution method for numerical integration of debris orbits

Calvo C., Melendo B., Palacios M.

Dpto. Matematica Aplicada (CPS) and Grupo de Mecanica Espacial, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50015-Zaragoza, Spain.

Using the computational advantages offered by the formulation of orbital problems with respect to the ideal frame with or without regularization, we consider the multirevolution methods to obtain numerically the short-term and long-term propagation of the resulting debris clouds after a breakup event of an operational satellite. The problem posed in this form gives high efficiency (increased velocity and better approximation); this fact together with a massively parallel implementation will be a better way to support studies of the hazards of space debris for operational orbital space systems and can also help to create debris analysis programs more transferable and reliable.