Relative orbit dynamics in near-geostationary orbit

A relative motion model for a Client and a Servicer spacecraft in near geostationary orbit is developed taking into account various gravitational and non-gravitational forces. In particular, differential perturbations due to Earth’s oblateness, solar radiation pressure and third body gravitational pull are studied, quantified and modeled. The relative motion model is validated using one typical far range approach test scenario against a reference generated by numerical propagation of two absolute orbits.