NSSDCA ID: 1964-076A-01
Mission Name: AD-BThis experiment was designed to determine nonsystematic changes of the density of the upper atmosphere from studies of the drag on a 3.6-m diameter low-density sphere caused by short-term differences in solar activity. Density values near perigee were deduced from sequential observations of the spacecraft position, using optical (Baker-Nunn camera network) and radio and/or radar tracking techniques. The general techniques used to deduce density values from satellite drag data can be found in L. G. Jacchia and J. Slowey, "Accurate drag determination for eight artificial satellites of atmospheric densities and temperatures," Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory special report no. 100, Cambridge, Mass., July 1962. This experiment resulted in the successful determination of reasonable density values until spacecraft re-entry.
Questions and comments about this experiment can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office
Name | Role | Original Affiliation | |
---|---|---|---|
Dr. Luigi G. Jacchia | Principal Investigator | Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory |