THE ATMOSPHERIC DRAG OF ARTIFICIAL SATELLITES DURING THE OCTOBER 1960 AND NOVEMBER 1960 EVENTS

Abstract

Seven satellites with perigee heights between 206 and 1121 km showed atmospheric-drag perturbations during the geomagnetic disturbances of November 1960. These perturbations closely paralleled the planetary geomagnetic-index curves with no detectable time lag. The amplitudes of the perturbations ranged from a factor of 2 to a factor of 8; they showed a general tendency to increase with height, but little correlation with latitude or position relative to the sun. These results are confirmed by the accelerations of two satellites during the magnetic storm of October 6 and 7, 1960. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 26, 1961
Accession Number
AD0261489

Entities

People

  • Luigi G. Jacchia

Organizations

  • Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Amplitude
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Grids
  • Latitude
  • Magnetic Disturbances
  • Magnetic Phenomena
  • Magnetic Storms
  • Perturbations
  • Space Systems
  • Spacecraft
  • Vehicles

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Brain and Cognitive Science; Experimental Psychology; Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris