Special Features of Long-Term Orbital Evolution of Etalon-1 and Etalon-2 Satellites

Abstract

Results of analysis of the orbital evolution of Etalon-1 and Etalon-2 artificial satellites during a 500-year period are presented. It is demonstrated that the stable Lidov–Kozai resonance acts on the satellites during the entire time period, thereby leading to an increase in the orbit eccentricities. During a 300-year period the eccentricities reach values greater than 0.5 and then oscillate with large amplitude, not dropping below 0.3. The inclinations and semimajor axes also undergo long-term oscillations. After a 200-year increase in the eccentricities, the two more piecewise-stable apsidal and nodal resonances start to act. By the end of the 500-year period, insignificant increase in the MEGNO parameter is observed.