Atmospheric Effects in Low Earth Orbit and the DMSP ESA Offset Anomaly.

Abstract

A space vehicle in Earth orbit experiences bombardment with fast (aboaut 8 km/sec) atmospheric articles, the principal of which is atomic oxygen, by virtue of its orbital velocity. Several satellite systems that have been or may be adversely affected by atmospheric impact are described. The current knowledge of the gas-surface interactions of atomic oxygen and the available experimental technology for laboratory simulation of atmospheric bombardment in orbit are reviewed. The DMSP EAS offset anomaly is described and evidence for linking this misbehavior to atmospheric oxygen atom impact is presented and discussed. The results of a laboratory experiment to test this link are presented.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 30, 1982
Accession Number
ADA121611

Entities

People

  • Daniel R. Peplinski
  • Graham S. Arnold
  • Ronald R. Herm

Organizations

  • The Aerospace Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Atomic Beams
  • Chemistry
  • Ionization
  • Material Degradation Processes
  • Materials
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Materials Science
  • Measurement
  • Meteorological Satellites
  • Optical Coatings
  • Optical Materials
  • Optics
  • Physics Laboratories
  • Space Systems
  • Spacecraft
  • Surface Chemistry

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Combustion science or combustion engineering.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris