Lumped Geopotential Coefficients (C Bar Sub 15,15) and (S Bar Sub 15,15) Obtained from Resonant Variation in the Orbit of Ariel 3.
Abstract
The orbital inclination of the satellite Ariel 3 unexpectedly decreased early in 1968. This decrease may now be explained as the consequence of a 15th-order resonance with the earth's gravitational field. Analysis of the resonance leads to a derivation of 'lumped' values of the harmonic coefficients C bar sub(15,15) and S bar sub(15,15) appropriate to the inclination (80 degrees) and height (500 km) of Ariel 3, viz. (-19.9 plus or minus 1.2) x 10 to the minus 9th power and (-7.7 plus or minus 0.8) x 10 to the minus 9th power respectively. The steady residual decrease in inclination indicates that the average rotational speed of the upper atmosphere at a height of 500 km is only 0.7 times that of the earth. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0730365
Entities
People
- Robert H. Gooding
Organizations
- Royal Aircraft Establishment