A closed form method for predicting the history of circular orbit altitude decay of a near-earth satellite including the effect of a dynamic atmosphere

Author

John Copley Buchholtz

Abstract

"A closed form expression for the time to decay between two circular orbit altitudes is developed. The long-term dynamic variation of high altitude atmospheric density is included. The density is approximated as a ratio of two quadratics with the numerator being a function of the time-related exospheric temperature and the denominator being a function of altitude. The 11-year cyclic variation of exospheric temperature is then represented as a piecewise linear function of time. The analytic expression for circular orbit altitude decay rate is developed by describing the energy loss due to atmospheric drag. A point mass representation of the Earth's gravitational potential is assumed"--Abstract, page ii.

Advisor(s)

Brulle, Robert V.
Flanigan, V. J.

Committee Member(s)

Jones, R. E. Douglas

Department(s)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Aerospace Engineering

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

1971

Pagination

v, 37 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 37-38).

Rights

© 1971 John Copley Buchholtz, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Artificial satellites -- AttitudeArtificial satellites -- Orbits -- Mathematical models

Thesis Number

T 2549

Print OCLC #

6033841

Electronic OCLC #

871701538

Recommended Citation

Buchholtz, John Copley, "A closed form method for predicting the history of circular orbit altitude decay of a near-earth satellite including the effect of a dynamic atmosphere" (1971). Masters Theses. 7206.
https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/masters_theses/7206