Calculation of Satellite Drag Coefficients

Abstract

Calculation of Cd for satellites using accommodation coefficients is reviewed. A phenomenological model for accommodation coefficients due to Hurlbut, Sherman, and Nocilla is used to obtain values for the accommodation coefficients for average satellite materials, thermosphere constituents and temperatures, and satellite velocities using a number of laboratory measurements. There is a significant difference between these results and the traditional method of calculating Cd. These differences contribute as much as 20% error in use of thermosphere models for calculation of satellite drag.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 18, 1994
Accession Number
ADA285118

Entities

People

  • Edward M. Gaposchkin

Organizations

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Coefficients
  • Data Analysis
  • Data Sets
  • Earth Orbits
  • Elements
  • Equations
  • Experimental Data
  • Geosynchronous Orbits
  • Low Earth Orbits
  • Materials
  • Measurement
  • Momentum
  • Physical Properties
  • Scattering
  • Spacecraft
  • Surface Properties

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Fluid Dynamics.
  • Spectroscopy.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris