ON THE PREDICTION OF SATELLITE ORBIT DECAY AND IMPACT,
Abstract
Presentation of problems associated with predicting satellite orbit decay plus a description of several computer programs for computing long-term orbit decay, model atmospheres, and final decay and re-entry. Computation of long-term orbit decay using the RAND Satellite Lifetime Program is illustrated for Explorer 9, and the orbit-decay data from the satellite are used to derive a current model atmosphere different from any standard atmospheres and permitting, in subsequent decay computations, a good long-term prediction capability. Computation of final orbit decay with both the Satellite Lifetime Program and the RAND ROCKET Program is then illustrated for the case of Cosmos 5; in this case adjustment of the satellite's ballistic coefficient is used to adjust effectively a model atmosphere to simulate the current atmosphere. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0626278
Entities
People
- Carl Gazley Jr.
- G. F. Schilling
- L. N. Rowell
Organizations
- RAND Corporation