Absolute atmospheric densities determined from the spin and orbital decays of explorer VI

摘要: Abstract The spin and orbital decays of the Paddlewheel Satellite, Explorer VI, have been used in conjunction with several models surface-particle interaction to calculate drag coefficients absolute densities at altitudes near 270 km August 1959. are estimated be accurate within 10 per cent. Because accuracies inherent measurements, it has possible determine relative 1 or 2 cent for 5-min time interval around each perigee passage. measured compared model atmospheres. fine resolution data reveals smoothing effect atmosphere on correlation geomagnetic planetary amplitude, d p .