Satellite Drag and Space Weather Simulations for Undergraduates

We have developed a set of simulation-laboratories that allow undergraduate students to examine drag effects on satellites in low earth orbit. The simulation output includes height, velocity, drag force and energy profiles. Further, we have incorporated features that allow students to explore the effects of space weather (solar and geomagnetic) variability on the orbital profiles. We will demonstrate a new feature of the simulation that allows students to visualize model-derived and storm-time upper atmosphere conditions that affect satellite drag. These simulations are available as spreadsheets or standard programming applications in MS EXCEL, MATLAB and IDL. Our simulations include comparisons to the STARSHINE I-III satellite orbital decay profiles. We will discuss how these simulations can be used in a variety of classroom and independent study modes.