Effect of upper atmospheric variations on satellite lifetime
Abstract
Without any perturbations an Earth satellite would remain on a Keplerian orbit endless. Of the perturbing forces of different origin, atmospheric drag causes a secular decrease of the semi-major axis and orbital eccent- ricity, so satellites have finite lifetimes.
- Publication:
-
Publications of the Astronomy Department of the Eotvos Lorand University
- Pub Date:
- 1982
- Bibcode:
- 1982PADEU...6..137B