Utilizing Real Time UV Air Glow Measurements to Develop a Predictive Model for Satellite Drag
Abstract
LONG-TERM GOAL. Develop detailed models of the thermosphere that are compatible with historical and contemporary drag measurements and real time UV air glow data. These models will be used to improve estimates of day to day variability in the thermosphere, which is critical for maintaining a catalog of thousand of Earth satellites and for accurately predicting orbital decay of satellites. SCIENTIFIC OBJECTIVES. Thermospheric empirical models such as Jacchia (1971) are being updated with data obtained over the last 26 years from the thermosphere and exosphere. Differential correction programs are being developed which utilize both drag, UV air glow, and other in situ data to improve estimates of the response of the atmosphere to solar and geomagnetic activity, variations in altitude, local solar time, latitude and season, the semi-annual variation and unexplained variations. Long term drifts in the upper atmosphere are being explored. Methods will be developed to identify possible biases between drag and UV air glow data and possible biases between different UV air glow data sets. Ultimately the properties of the changing thermosphere will be used in real time to update the catalog of Earth satellites.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA635142
Entities
People
- Gerald M. Keating
- Robert H. Tolson
Organizations
- George Washington University