Satellite Motion in a Manev Potential with Drag

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the effects of atmospheric drag on satellite orbits within a Manev gravitational potential, deriving formulas for orbital decay and providing numerical insights, relevant to space physics and astrophysics.

Contribution

It introduces a model combining Manev potential with velocity-dependent atmospheric drag and derives expressions for orbital changes, expanding understanding of satellite dynamics.

Findings

Derived formulas for radial distance change due to drag

Numerical results illustrating orbital decay in Manev potential

Application of model to various physical contexts

Abstract

In this paper, we consider a satellite orbiting in a Manev gravitational potential under the influence of an atmospheric drag force that varies with the square of velocity. Using an exponential atmosphere that varies with the orbital altitude of the satellite, we examine a circular orbit scenario. In particular, we derive expressions for the change in satellite radial distance as a function of the drag force parameters and obtain numerical results. The Manev potential is an alternative to the Newtonian potential that has a wide variety of applications, in astronomy, astrophysics, space dynamics, classical physics, mechanics, and even atomic physics.