Study of the decay and recovery of orbiting artificial space objects
Abstract
The reentry of earth-orbiting space objects unconsumed in the atmosphere represents a potential hazard to populated areas of the earth. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory has conducted a program called Moonwatch, whose purposes were to observe orbiting artificial satellites and reentries of space objects and, if possible, to recover and analyze reentered pieces. In addition, through observations of low-perigee objects, data obtained by Moonwatchers have been instrumental in defining some of the factors affecting satellite decay. The objectives of the program are presented, and the problems that enter into satellite-orbit and decay predictions are addressed. Moonwatchers contributed substantially to increasing an overall prediction capability, and some of the specific achievements over the 6-year period are cited.
- Publication:
-
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Report
- Pub Date:
- April 1976
- Bibcode:
- 1976sao..rept......
- Keywords:
-
- Artificial Satellites;
- Earth Orbits;
- Orbit Decay;
- Spacecraft Recovery;
- Impact Prediction;
- Satellite Tracking;
- Spacecraft Reentry;
- Astrodynamics