93-114
Orbital Decay Prediction For The Relay Mirror Experiment Using Static And Dynamic Atmospheric Models
Richard L. Fennessey*, Mark A. Reynolds and Daniel E. Snow **
Abstract
This study compares the performance of static and dynamic atmospheric density models as used for predicting decay of an orbiting vehicle. The greatest source of error in low earth orbit prediction is from atmospheric density prediction and modeling. This study provides insight to the effect of unpredictable solar activity on orbit decay predictions. Observations were collected from two independent tracking networks; the U.S. Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN) and Space Surveillance Network (SSN). This study uses observations from one vehicle, the Relay Mirror Experiment (RME). It was injected into a near circular, 470 km orbit at a 43 degree inclination on February 14, 1990. RME reentered the atmosphere on May 24, 1992. The analysis focuses on the last month prior to decay. Atmospheric decay predictions were performed by Detachment 2 Space and Missile Systems Center, Test Support Complex-l (TSC-I) and the U.S. Space Command Space Surveillance Center (SSC) during on-orbit operations. Post flight analysis was performed by the Space and Missile Center /TDOF who operates TSC- I, and Headquarters Air Force Space Command / CNY. The analysis compares orbit decay prediction performance using static and dynamic atmospheric models and also investigates using short and long data fit spans.
*Satellite Systems Engineer, Lockheed Technical Operations Company, O/21-70, B/100, 1080 Lockheed Way, Sunnyvale, California 94089.
**PhD. Aerospace Engineer, HO Air Force Space Command Astrodynamics Division, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado 80914-5001