Abstract.
To predict the orbital effects of atmospheric drag, it is necessary to know a satellite's effective area perpendicular to the orbital velocity and the drag coefficient for various heights and various levels of solar activity. The atmospheric density has to be determined as a function of the satellite's position and time; in addition, the effects of the atmospheric rotational velocity are introduced (depending on the height and geographical latitude). To calculate the acceleration components caused by atmospheric drag, it is also necessary to have knowledge of the zonal and meridional atmospheric streams (winds), as well as the streams (winds) in arbitrary directions. The lifetime of the MIMOSA satellite is presented according to a variety of orbital elements and for different launch dates.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 18 December 2000 / Accepted: 26 June 2002
Correspondence to: J. Kabeláč, Ruská 572, 50601 Jičin, Czech Republic
Acknowledgment. This paper was supported by grant no. 205/96/K119 of the Grant Agency of the Czech Republic.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Kabeláč, J., Sehnal, L. Atmospheric effects on the dynamics of the MIMOSA satellite. Journal of Geodesy 76, 536–542 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00190-002-0275-4
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00190-002-0275-4