Accession Number:

ADA027040

Title:

Lower-Thermosphere Neutral Density Profiles Derived from Satellite Accelerometer Data.

Descriptive Note:

Environmental research papers,

Corporate Author:

AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

Personal Author(s):

• Marcos,F. A.
• Mendillo,J. L.

Report Date:

1976-03-04

Pagination or Media Count:

20.0

Abstract:

The Cannon Ball II and SPADES satellites carried triaxial accelerometer systems for accurate measurement of neutral atmospheric density. Cannon Ball II was launched 6 August 1971 into a polar elliptic orbit in which the initial perigee was at the extremely low altitude of 132 km. SPADES was launched 11 July 1968 into a polar elliptic orbit in which the initial perigee was at 155 km. The data, analyzed to deduce an average density profile for each satellite for summer conditions in the northern hemisphere, are for the altitude region 135 to 250 km, where measurements have heretofore been extremely sparse. Comparisons were made with recent models and experimental data. These results are intended to be supplemented by those of lower-thermosphere studies now being carried out on accelerometer data from the Atmosphere Explorer satellites and a low-altitude Air Force satellite. Comprehensive analyses of accelerometer data low-altitude satellites will allow accurate modeling of the lower thermosphere. These models are required for improving calculation of the trajectories of Air Force systems vehicles and other spacecraft.

Descriptors:

• *THERMOSPHERE
• *AERODYNAMIC DRAG
• *ATMOSPHERIC DENSITY
• ACCELEROMETERS
• NEUTRAL
• POLAR ORBIT TRAJECTORIES
• ALTITUDE
• ATMOSPHERE MODELS
• SUMMER
• SCIENTIFIC SATELLITES
• NORTHERN HEMISPHERE
• ELLIPTICAL ORBIT TRAJECTORIES
• PERIGEE

Subject Categories:

• Atmospheric Physics
• Spacecraft Trajectories and Reentry

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE