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Definition

J2 Perturbation

The dominant orbital perturbation caused by Earth's equatorial bulge (oblateness). Causes secular drift in RAAN and argument of periapsis, and is exploited to design sun-synchronous orbits.

Related terms

Lambert's Problem

The orbital mechanics problem of finding the trajectory between two specified position vectors in a specified time of fl...

Lagrange PointL-point

One of five positions in a two-body system where a small object can maintain its position relative to the two larger bod...

Orbital Decay

The gradual reduction of orbital altitude due to atmospheric drag. Severity depends on solar activity, ballistic coeffic...

Ballistic Coefficient

A measure of how an object's mass and shape resist atmospheric drag, calculated as mass divided by (drag coefficient tim...

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