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Range of Density Variability from Surface To 120 km AltitudeA re-entry space vehicle development program, such as Project Apollo, requires a knowledge of the variability of atmospheric density from the surface of the earth to re-entry altitude (120 km). This report summarizes the data on density given in the most recent literature on the subject. The range of atmospheric density with respect to the ARDC 1959 Model Atmosphere is determined and shown graphically.

From the surface to 30 km altitude abundant information on density is available. From 30 to 90 km altitude the summarized reports of observations made at a limited number of stations have been used. Between 90 and 120 km altitude the density is somewhat speculative, there being but few measurements available. Therefore, the qualitative values for the variability of density above 30 km must be considered tentative.

Variations of atmospheric density by latitude and seasons made it necessary to develop a family of curves rather than a single profile. Three curves are presented to show the range of density deviation versus altitudes with respect to the ARDC 1959 Model Atmosphere. Each curve is used for a specific latitude range and season.
Document ID
20040003838
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Other - NASA Technical Note (TN)
Authors
Orvel E Smith
(George C. Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, Alabama)
Halsey B Chenoweth
(George C. Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, Alabama)
Date Acquired
September 7, 2013
Publication Date
July 1, 1961
Subject Category
Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance
Report/Patent Number
NASA-TN-D-612
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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