Computer algebra methods for developing an artificial satellite motion theory within elliptic functions

The problem of developing a semianalytical theory of motion for artificial Earth satellites with large eccentricities is considered using elliptic fun ction techniques. Computer-algebraic methods for symbolic computation of th e coefficients of expansion for the disturbing function in multiples of the elliptic anomaly are described. Possibilities of computing analytically th e Hamiltonian of a satellite perturbed motion by means of computer algebra are shown. The numerical technique to compute elliptic Hansen coefficients with the help of the Chebyshev approximation is presented. (C) 1999 Publish ed by Elsevier Science B.V.