Semi-Analytical Computation of Partial Derivatives and Transition Matrix Using STELA Software

The paper details the semi-analytical method implemented in the STELA software for the state transition matrix propagation. STELA (Semi-Analytical Tool for End of Life Analysis) is the CNES reference tool for long term orbit propagation. The use of a semi-analytical method for state transition matrix propagation is particularly suited to perform orbit determination for a very large number of objects, using space debris catalogue, which will continue to grow up by the next decades. The advantages of using simplified force models in the computation of state transition matrix are presented.