Perifocal coordinate system

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The perifocal frame is the two dimensional frame of reference for an orbit. It is centered at the focus of the orbit, i.e. the planet about which the orbit is centered. Its plane is given the coordinates p and q, where the p axis is dircted toward the periapsis of the eliptical orbit (in the direction of the eccentricity vector). The third deminsion of this orbit, w, is comprised of the normalized angular mementum vector, which is the radius vector crossed with the velocity vector.


[edit] Sources

fundamental of astrodynamics Author: Dr. Bate

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