Objects orbiting the Earth in deep resonance

TL;DR

This paper investigates the resonant orbital dynamics of space debris around Earth, analyzing TLE data to identify main resonances and irregular motions affecting objects in low Earth orbit.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed analysis of resonant periods and angles in space debris orbits using TLE data, highlighting irregular motions and resonance effects.

Findings

Identification of main resonances in LEO region

Detection of irregular orbital motions

Analysis of semi-major axis, eccentricity, and inclination behaviors

Abstract

The increasing number of objects orbiting the Earth justifies the great attention and interest in the observation, spacecraft protection and collision avoidance. These studies involve different disturbances and resonances in the orbital motions of these objects distributed by the distinct altitudes. In this work, the TLE (Two-Line Elements) of the NORAD are studied observing the resonant period of the objects orbiting the Earth and the main resonance in the LEO region. The time behavior of the semi-major axis, eccentricity and inclination of some space debris are studied. Possible irregular motions are observed by the frequency analysis and by the presence of different resonant angles describing the orbital dynamics of these objects.