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Atmospheric density variations at 140 kilometers deduced from precise satellite radar tracking data.Discussion of the technique of evaluating density values from precise radar-tracking data of satellites in the altitude region from 130 to 140 km. Inclinations of these satellites were between 106 and 112 deg. A detailed examination of all elements of the density-reduction techniques was conducted, and consideration was given to recent advances in geodesy, drag-coefficient modeling, and orbit-determination techniques. Ten days of high-resolution density data deduced from orbital decay of each of three satellites are presented. Three types of density variations at 140 km are discernible in these data: periodic daily density variations with a density amplitude of about 10%; density increases of up to 35% associated with enhanced geomagnetic activity during which the planetary geomagnetic index Kp reached a value of 8 units; and an observed semiannual variation of about 20%, which indicates a total semiannual variation of 35 to 40%.
Document ID
19720042744
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Devries, L. L.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, Ala., United States)
Schusterman, L.
Bruce, R. W.
(Aerospace Corp. El Segundo, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 6, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1972
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 77
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
72A26410
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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