UPPER-ATMOSPHERE-DENSITY DETERMINATION USING NRL ARTIFICIAL SATELLITES

Abstract

NRL has had several artificial satellites placed in orbit for various experimental purposes. By observing the changes in orbital elements, it has been possible to calculate the density at the altitude range of 950 to 1160 km for the past 3 years. Long- and short-term effects are noted and discussed. A cyclical variation of 27 days has been found. It is apparently due to the variation in solar activity with the sun's rotation. The centers of activity appear to be stationary on the sun's surface for months at a time.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 27, 1969
Accession Number
AD0686068

Entities

People

  • R. Brescia

Organizations

  • United States Naval Research Laboratory

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Altitude
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Atmospheres
  • Atmospheric Density
  • Circular Orbits
  • Continuous-Wave Radar
  • Military Research
  • Observation
  • Orbital Elements
  • Orbits
  • Periodic Functions
  • Rotation
  • Solar Activity
  • Space Surveillance
  • Sun
  • Surface Temperature
  • Surveillance

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science / Meteorology, specifically Wind Wave Turbulence.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris