Dynamical evolution of objects on highly elliptical orbits near high-order resonance zones

Abstract

Both analytical and numerical results are used to study high-order resonance regions in the vicinity of Molnya-type orbits. Based on data of numerical simulations, long-term orbital evolution are studied for objects in highly elliptical orbits depending on their area-to-mass ratio. The Poynting-Robertson effect causes a secular decrease in the semi-major axis of a spherically symmetrical satellite. Under the Poynting-Robertson effect, objects pass through the regions of high-order resonances. The Poynting-Robertson effect and secular perturbations of the semi-major axis lead to the formation of weak stochastic trajectories. © Copyright 2014 International Astronomical Union.