keithley@apple.com (Craig J. Keithley) (04/16/91)
I'm in need a of a formula that uses: The elapsed mission time The orbital elements (posted on sci.space[.shuttle]) And returns lat/lon and an altitude I need to be able to plug in the shuttle (or satellite's) elements and derive its position above a given spot on the earth. I'm not interested in orbital transfer, etc. I've been told that I should take into account a variety of things, including orbital decay due to air drag. How important is it that these things be taken into account? If a simple equation provides 99.5% accuracy, I'll probably be happy. This is because the shuttle's orbit is probably changing somewhat (due to attitude adjustments), So I don't expect 100% accuracy anyway. While I'd prefer the equation, a book reference would be helpful also. Please reply via email, and I'll summarize to the net. Thanks, Craig Keithley Apple Computer, Inc. keithley@apple.com