Phase Plane Analysis and Observed Frozen Orbit for the TOPEX/Poseidon Mission

Abstract

The existence and stability of low eccentricity frozen orbits in a zonal geopotential perturbed by atmospheric drag, solar radiation pressure, and a continuous along-track thrust is studied. General expressions are derived for the steady state eccentricity and gravity- only phase plane trajectories. The TOPEX/Poseidon satellite has remained in a frozen orbit throughout its three year primary mission.