Density of the Upper Atmosphere from Analysis of Satellite Orbits: Further Results

Nature ◽  
1959 ◽  
Vol 184 (4695) ◽  
pp. 1267-1270 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. G. KING-HELE
Keyword(s):  
Upper Atmosphere ◽  
Satellite Orbits

Variation of Upper-Atmosphere Density with Latitude and Season: Further Evidence from Satellite Orbits

Nature ◽  
1960 ◽  
Vol 185 (4715) ◽  
pp. 727-729 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. G. KING-HELE ◽  
D. M. C. WALKER
Keyword(s):  
Upper Atmosphere ◽  
Satellite Orbits ◽  
Atmosphere Density

Density of the Upper Atmosphere and its Dependence on the Sun, as Revealed by Satellite Orbits

Nature ◽  
1960 ◽  
Vol 186 (4729) ◽  
pp. 928-931 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. G. KING-HELE ◽  
D. M. C. WALKER
Keyword(s):  
Upper Atmosphere ◽  
Satellite Orbits ◽  
The Sun

Scale height in the upper atmosphere, derived from changes in satellite orbits

1962 ◽  
Vol 270 (1343) ◽  
pp. 562-587 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Weight ◽  
Solar Activity ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
Scale Height ◽  
Upper Atmosphere ◽  
Satellite Orbits ◽  
Small Eccentricity ◽  
Air Density ◽  
Density Scale ◽  
Eccentricity Orbit

The 'density scale height’ H in the upper atmosphere is a measure of the rate at which air density ρ varies with height y , being given by H = — ρ/(dρ/d y ). The value of H , although important because (with the molecular weight of the air) it determines the air temperature, has not as yet been well determined at heights above 200 km. This paper develops methods for finding H from the decrease in a satellite’s perigee height and from the decrease in the orbital period of a satellite in a small-eccentricity orbit. These methods are then applied to all the 14 satellites found suitable for the purpose. The 44 values of H obtained, for heights of 200 to 450 km, represent an average over day and night and probably have errors (s.d.) of 5 to 10 %. It is found that, as solar activity declined between 1957 and 1961, H decreased greatly: e.g. at height 275 km, H decreased from 60 km in early 1958 to 40 km in 1960-61. The results also show that the increase of H with height becomes much less rapid above 350 km, and are consistent with the supposition that H had low values, near 35 km, at heights near 250 km, for 1959-61, The results could be greatly extended in scope and improved in accuracy if more accurate orbits were available for short-lifetime satellites.

A discussion on orbital analysis - Preface

1967 ◽  
Vol 262 (1124) ◽  
pp. 3-3
Keyword(s):  
Gravitational Field ◽  
Royal Society ◽  
Upper Atmosphere ◽  
Artificial Satellites ◽  
National Committee ◽  
Satellite Orbits ◽  
International Meeting ◽  
Air Drag ◽  
Earth’S Gravitational Field ◽  
Orbital Analysis

Soon after the first artificial satellites were launched in 1957, it became clear that their orbits were being recognizably altered by air drag and the non-spherical components of the Earth’s gravitational field. By analysing these changes in satellite orbits it has been possible to measure the Earth’s gravitational field and the density and temperature of the upper atmosphere in far greater detail and much more accurately than was ever possible before. At the end of 1965 the British National Committee for Space Research, under the chairmanship of Sir Harrie Massey, F.R.S., decided that a two-day international meeting should be held to discuss the techniques of orbital analysis. The meeting took place in the rooms of the Royal Society at Burlington House, London, on 17 and 18 October 1966, and was attended by over 100 participants from several countries. The papers presented at the meeting are collected in this volume

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