Trajectories and orbital manoeuvres for the AMPTE-UK subsatellite
Abstract
The main scientific objectives of the Active Magnetospheric Particle Tracer Explorers (AMPTE) mission are related to an investigation of the transfer of mass from the solar wind into the magnetosphere, and to the study of the interaction between artificially injected and cosmic plasmas. Tracer ions will be injected into the solar wind and magnetosphere from a satellite, the Ion Release Module (IRM). Another satellite, the Charged Composition Explorer (CCE), will orbit below the IRM. The CCE has the function to detect the tracer ions, while a third satellite, the United Kindgom Subsatellite (UKS), will make diagnostic measurements in the proximity of the IRM. Attention is given to details regarding the UKS, the U.K. Operations Control Centre, aspects of orbit determination and prediction, the UKS orbit control system, mission requirements on orbit control, and operational use and results.
- Publication:
-
AIAA, Aerospace Sciences Meeting
- Pub Date:
- January 1985
- Bibcode:
- 1985aiaa.meetS....H
- Keywords:
-
- Earth Magnetosphere;
- Orbital Maneuvers;
- Satellite Sounding;
- Solar Wind;
- Spacecraft Trajectories;
- Uk Satellites;
- Barium Ion Clouds;
- Chemical Clouds;
- Cosmic Plasma;
- Europium;
- Lithium;
- Mass Transfer;
- Satellite Orbits;
- Astrodynamics