Accuracy of Symmetric Multi-Step Methods for the Numerical Modelling of Satellite Motion

Stability of high-order linear multistep St¨ormer-Cowell and symmetric methods are discussed in detail in this paper. Efficient algorithms for obtaining intervals of absolute stability and periodicity are given for these methods. To demonstrate the accuracy of numerical integration of the orbit over an interval about one year two model problems are considered. First problem is the 3D Kepler problem. Second one is a specially designed 3D model problem that has the exact solution and simulates the Earth-Moon-satellite system