DENSITIES FROM SATELLITES OV1-15 AND OV1-16

Abstract

The objectives of satellites OV1-16 (Cannon Ball I) and OV1-15 (SPADES) were to measure atmospheric density and related properties in the lower thermosphere with particular emphasis on the altitude region 120 to 150 km. This region is where least data are available and where data are urgently required for Air Force Systems vehicles and for accurate calculations of the re- entry locations of satellites. To achieve an orbit at the lowest possible altitude the mass-to-area ratio of Cannon Ball I was maximized and a spherical shape chosen to optimize the accuracy of the drag density measurements. Both satellites were launched into a polar orbit on 11 July 1968. The initial perigee of Cannon Ball I was 148 km and the apogee 575 km. The initial perigee for SPADES was 158 km and the apogee 1850 km. A considerable amount of density data was obtained from orbital drag and from an onboard triaxial accelerometer on Cannon Ball I and from orbital drag, accelerometer, and ionization gauges on SPADES.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 1969
Accession Number
AD0699550

Entities

People

  • F. A. Marcos
  • K. S. Champion

Organizations

  • Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accelerometers
  • Accuracy
  • Air Force
  • Altitude
  • Apogees
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Atmospheric Density
  • Barometric Pressure
  • Charged Particles
  • Geometry
  • Ionization
  • Latitude
  • Low Altitude
  • Measurement
  • Security
  • Spacecraft
  • Vehicles

Readers

  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • ballistics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster
  • Space - Orbital Debris
  • Space - Satellites