A mapping method for the gravitational few-body problem with dissipation

Recently a new class of numerical integration methods — mixed variable symplectic integrators — has been introduced for studying long-term evolution in the conservative gravitational few-body problem. These integrators are an order of magnitude faster than conventional ODE integration methods. Here we present a simple modification of this method to include small non-gravitational forces. The new scheme provides a similar advantage of computational speed for a larger class of problems in Solar System dynamics.