Radiative force model performance for TOPEX/Poseidon precision orbit determination

The TOPEX/Poseidon spacecraft was launched to study the Earth's oceans. To maximize the benefit from the alimetric data collected, mission requirements dictate that TOPEX/Poseidon's orbit must be computed at extremely high accuracy. To meet these demands, a nonconservative force model which accounts for the satellite's complex geometry, attitude and surface properties has been developed. The 'box-wing' representation treats the spacecraft as the combination of flat plates arranged in the shape of a box and a connected solar array. Model performance and parameter sensitivities are discussed.