A Novel Orbit Parameterization in Spherical Coordinates

Abstract

We present a novel orbit parameterization in spherical coordinates. This parameterization enables the mixing of varying and invariant orbital parameters, and clarifies the physics of the orbit. It also simplifies the process of placing synthetic populations at exactly specified locations on the sky, which is particularly useful for survey design and simulation studies.

Keywords

• Celestial mechanics
• Orbits
• Solar system
• Planetary science