Analysis of inclination variations of the first Netherlands satellite.
Abstract
The rotational velocity of the upper atmosphere at an altitude of 230-320 km was estimated from the decrease in the orbital inclination of the Astronomical Netherlands Satellite, ANS (1974-70 A) during a period of over 1000 days. Mean values as well as morning and evening values of rotational velocity were derived: the average atmospheric rotational velocity was found to be 1.20 + or - 0.16 at 317 km and 1.05 + or - 0.26 at 268 km. Obtained morning and evening values agreed well with the results of earlier investigations. Resonant changes of the 15th order in the orbital inclination were analyzed, and the lumped geopotential coefficients of the 15th and 30th order were calculated at an inclination of 98.04 deg by the least squares estimation method. The obtained two-coefficient and four-coefficient solutions were tested against other existing solutions and showed reasonable agreement.
- Publication:
-
Bulletin of the Astronomical Institutes of Czechoslovakia
- Pub Date:
- 1981
- Bibcode:
- 1981BAICz..32..168W
- Keywords:
-
- Angular Velocity;
- Atmospheric Circulation;
- Diurnal Variations;
- Geopotential Height;
- Least Squares Method;
- Netherlands Space Program;
- Orbital Mechanics;
- Satellite Orientation;
- Coefficients;
- Numerical Control;
- Orbit Perturbation;
- Satellite Drag;
- Spaceborne Experiments;
- Astrodynamics;
- Earth Atmosphere:Rotation