RANGE OF DENSITY VARIABILITY FROM SURFACE TO 120 KM ALTITUDE
Abstract
A re-entry space vehicle development program, such as Project Apollo, requires a knowledge of the variability of atmospheric density from the surface of the earth to re-entry altitude (120 km). This analysis summarizes the data on density given in the most recent literature on the subject. The range of atmospheric density with respect to the ARDC 1959 Model Atmosphere is determined and shown graphically. From the surface to 30 km altitude abundant information on density is available. From 30 to 90 km altitude the summarized reports of observations made at a limited number of stations were used. Between 90 and 120 km altitude the density is somewhat speculative, there being but few measurements available. The qualitative values for the variability of density above 30 km must be considered tentative. Variations of atmospheric density by latitude and seasons made it necessary to develop a family of curves rather than a single profile. Three curves are presented to show the range of density deviation versus altitudes with respect to the ARDC 1959 Model Atmosphere. Each curve is used for a specific latitude range and season. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 31, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0259734
Entities
People
- Halsey B. Chenoweth
- Orvel E. Smith
Organizations
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration