科研之友
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摘要
The accuracy of atmospheric density measurements inferred from satellite drag is limited by errors in drag coefficient estimates. In this work, we use a unique opportunity in which the Drag and Atmospheric Neutral Density Explorer satellite and three Polar Orbiting Passive Atmospheric Calibration Spheres are deployed from a common launch vehicle. Each object flies through similar atmospheric conditions but has a different area-to-mass ratio. This allows aerodynamic analysis that is independent of atmospheric density via comparisons of measured and modeled ballistic coefficient ratios. A test particle method combined with a satellite energy accommodation model is used to model the aerodynamics of these objects. Fitted ballistic coefficients computed as a result of special-perturbations orbit analysis are then compared to the model results. The drag coefficient model and observations agree at the 1-2% level when coefficient ratios are compared. Comparisons of an additional shape with model predictions are made possible when one of the satellites shed its launch adapter. This work validates the aerodynamic model used here and can be applied in future research to improve models of atmospheric density and predictions of satellite drag. Beyond potential improvements to atmospheric models, the technique presented here is shown to identify objects based on their aerodynamic signature.
- 出版日期2016-9
