Orbital Mechanics

Orbital mechanics is the subdiscipline of celestial mechanics that applies Newtonian mechanics and the law of universal gravitation to predict spacecraft trajectories and design orbital maneuvers for space-mission planning and control.

11.9K

Publications

521K

Citations

19.4K

Authors

3.1K

Institutions

Publications per year

2017–2026

2.5K

Parents

Aerospace Engineering

Children

Atmospheric Drag EffectsConic Section OrbitsEscape TrajectoriesGravity-assist TrajectoriesHohmann TransfersInterplanetary TrajectoriesKeplerian MotionKeplerian OrbitsLagrange PointsLambert's Problem

Publications

11.9K

Orbital angular momentum of light and the transformation of Laguerre-Gaussian laser modes

L. Allen, Marco W. Beijersbergen, R. J. C. Spreeuw et al. · Physical Review A · 1992 · 10.3K citations

Natural Sciences, Physics, Optics +12

Secular perturbations of asteroids with high inclination and eccentricity

Yoshihide Kozai · The Astronomical Journal · 1962 · 2.6K citations

Natural Sciences, Astronomy, Physics +15

Terminal Guidance System for Satellite Rendezvous

W. H. Clohessy, Ron Wiltshire · Journal of the aerospace sciences/Journal of the aero/space sciences · 1960 · 2K citations

Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering +17

The evolution of orbits of artificial satellites of planets under the action of gravitational perturbations of external bodies

M. L. Lidov · Planetary and Space Science · 1962 · 1.6K citations

Natural Sciences, Aerospace Engineering, Physics +16

Astigmatic laser mode converters and transfer of orbital angular momentum

Marco W. Beijersbergen, L. Allen, H.E.L.O. van der Veen et al. · Optics Communications · 1993 · 1.5K citations

Natural Sciences, Aerospace Engineering, Physics +14

1–5 of 11.9K

Authors

19.4K

DJ
Daniel J. Scheeres
University of Colorado Boulder, United States
130 publications · 6.3K citations
45
h-index
QH
Qinglei Hu
Beihang University, China
51 publications · 3.5K citations
37
h-index
CR
Colin R. McInnes
University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom
90 publications · 3.5K citations
35
h-index
SR
Srinivas R. Vadali
Texas A&M University, United States
37 publications · 2.1K citations
27
h-index
ZS
Zhaowei Sun
Harbin Institute of Technology, China
43 publications · 2.3K citations
27
h-index

1–5 of 19.4K

Institutions

3.1K

1–8 of 3.1K

Venues

Journal of Guidance Control and Dynamics
1.1K publications · 58.1K citations
105
h-index
Icarus
287 publications · 20.6K citations
78
h-index
Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets
695 publications · 25.2K citations
75
h-index
Acta Astronautica
886 publications · 31K citations
72
h-index
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
307 publications · 15.6K citations
62
h-index

1–5

See also Orbital Mechanics
Core Methods	Perturbation Theory Numerical Orbit Propagation Orbit Prediction Analytical Orbit Propagation Impulsive Maneuvers Hohmann Transfers
Applications	Formation Flying Mission Planning Conjunction Analysis On-orbit Servicing Spacecraft Docking Sample Return Missions Station-keeping Relative Navigation
Variants	Two-body Perturbations Circular Restricted Three-body Problem Three-body Problem Restricted Three-body Problem Multi-body Dynamics
Evaluation	Minimum Fuel Trajectories Time Of Flight
Limitations	Gravitational Perturbations Third-body Effects Non-conservative Forces Atmospheric Drag Solar Radiation Pressure J2 Perturbation Effects