Atmospheric Density Results Derived from the SPADES Satellite Accelerometer Data.

Abstract

The report describes density results obtained from the ultrasenstive triaxial accelerometer system flown on the Air Force low-altitude density research satellite OV 1-15 (SPADES). A description of the spacecraft operation, the accelerometers, and the data reduction procedure is also given. The accelerometers measured the satellite deceleration induced by aerodynamic drag. Profiles of the neutral atmospheric density were derived directly from the drag data. Measurements were made from an altitude of 250 km down to perigee, nominally 160 km. Density profiles acquired from 14 July 1968 to 28 September 1968 are presented as Appendix A. Comparison of the density results to the appropriate Jacchia 1971 model atmosphere is given in Appendix B. (Author Modified Abstract)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 12, 1972
Accession Number
AD0756831

Entities

People

  • Frank A. Marcos
  • Janice Corbin
  • Neil Grossbard
  • Robert Fioretti
  • Robert Mcinerney

Organizations

  • Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accelerometers
  • Aerodynamic Drag
  • Air Force
  • Altitude
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Atmospheric Density
  • Data Reduction
  • Drag
  • Low Altitude
  • Measurement
  • Spacecraft

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris