Direct Calculation Methods of Hansen Coefficients and Their Derivatives

Seven direct calculation methods of Hansen coefficients and their derivatives are reviewed. The computational efficiencies of these methods are compared, and their computational stabilities are analyzed. We show that the recursion relations of Hansen coefficients can be used to determine the stabilities of calculation results. Finally, it is pointed out that Wnuk's method (double precision computation) and McClain's methods (quadruple precision computation) are stable, which can be used to calculate orbit perturbations. Because of small orbital eccentricities of most satellites, the perturbation calculations without singularities are required, and McClain's first method (quadruple precision computation) is recommended.