ABSTRACT
In this chapter an account is given of the dynamics of artificial satellites. Most of our attention will be given to artificial Earth satellite orbits but many of their properties may be taken over unchanged to the study of artificial satellites of other planets. To understand and compare the magnitudes of the different forces acting upon an artificial Earth satellite, the Earth and its environment require study. In what follows we first of all consider the Earth as a planet then describe briefly its structure, atmosphere and magnetic field. From there we proceed to the orbit of a satellite under the action of the major forces involved.
