SATELLITE DRAG COEFFICIENTS
Abstract
The drag of artificial earth satellites is reconsidered in the light of recent studies of gas-surface interactions and atmospheric composition. Between heights of 140 and 400 km at times of low solar activity, or heights of 140 and 600 km at times of high solar activity, the drag coefficient is almost independent of height, and at present, because of the lack of decisive evidence, there is perhaps not sufficient reason to abandon the value of 2.2 which has been widely used in recent years for the drag coefficient. It must be recognized, however, that this value is subject to some uncertainty and may be too low, perhaps by as much as 10%. At heights above 400 km (low solar activity) or 600 km (high solar activity) the drag coefficient increases with height, since both the degree of energy transfer and the molecular speed ratio decrease as the molecular weight of the atmosphere decreases.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0464391
Entities
People
- G. E. Cook
Organizations
- Royal Aircraft Establishment