Simplifying Assumptions in Orbital Mechanics
A spacecraft of mass m = 10⁵ kg follows an elliptical transfer orbit between Earth (M₁ = 5.97×10²⁴ kg) and Mars (M₂ = 6.42×10²³ kg). Which of the following mathematical simplifications would introduce the least error in the calculation of the spacecraft’s trajectory?
A
Including Earth’s motion but treating Mars as fixed
B
Treating the spacecraft as a perturbation to the planets’ orbits
C
Treating both planets as fixed in their respective positions
D
Modeling the spacecraft as moving in Earth’s reference frame only
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