Approximate Analytical Solution to the Zonal Harmonics Problem Using Koopman Operator Theory

Abstract: This work introduces the use of the Koopman operator theory to generate approximate analytical solutions for the zonal harmonics problem of a satellite orbiting a non-spherical celestial body. Particularly, the solution proposed directly provides the osculating evolution of the system under the effects of any order of the zonal harmonics, and can be automated to obtain any level of accuracy in the approximated solution. Moreover, this paper defines a modified set of orbital elements that can be applied to any kind of orbit and that allows the Koopman operator to have a fast convergence. In that regard, several examples of application are included, showing that the proposed methodology can be used in any kind of orbit, including circular, elliptic, parabolic and hyperbolic orbits.