On the Dynamics of Space Debris: 1:1 and 2:1 Resonances

We study the dynamics of the space debris in the 1:1 and 2:1 resonances, where geosynchronous and GPS satellites are located. By using Hamiltonian formalism, we consider a model including the geopotential contribution for which we compute the secular and resonant expansions of the Hamiltonian. Within such model we are able to detect the equilibria and to study the main features of the resonances in a very effective way. In particular, we analyze the regular and chaotic behavior of the 1:1 and 2:1 resonant regions by analytical methods and by computing the Fast Lyapunov Indicators, which provide a cartography of the resonances. This approach allows us to detect easily the location of the equilibria, the amplitudes of the libration islands and the main dynamical stability features of the resonances, thus providing an overview of the 1:1 and 2:1 resonant domains under the effect of Earth’s oblateness. The results are validated by a comparison with a model developed in Cartesian coordinates, including the geopotential, the gravitational attraction of Sun and Moon and the solar radiation pressure.