Multistep methods of numerical integration using back-corrections

A new class of linear multistep methods is proposed for the solution of the equations of motion of certain dynamical systems encountered in celestial mechanics and astrodynamics. These methods are distinguished from the classical predictor-corrector methods in that they permit back-corrections of the solution to be made. As the integration advances in time, the numerical solution is corrected or improved at certain points in the past. The enhanced numerical stability of these methods allows the meaningful application of high-order algorithms. Consequently, stepsizes larger than those attainable with the classical methods may be adopted and thus greater over-all efficiency may be realized. The application of these methods to the problem of determining the orbit of an artificial satellite is accomplished and the results are compared with those obtained using classical methods.