The Atmospheric Neutral Density Experiment (ANDE)

摘要

The Atmospheric Neutral Density Experiment (ANDE) is a mission proposed by the Naval Research Laboratory to monitor the thermospheric neutral density at an altitude of 400km. The mission objectives are to provide total neutral density along the orbit for improved orbit determination of resident space objects. The measurements also provide a critical validation point for the upcoming Special Sensor Ultraviolet Limb Imagers (SSULI) to be launched on each of the five Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) spacecraft in block 5D3 starting in 2001. In addition ANDE provides two calibration objects for use in the Air Force High Accuracy Satellite Drag Model (HASDM) initiative to help maintain and improve accuracy of the space object catalog. The mission consists of two spherical satellites fitted with retro-reflectors for satellite laser ranging (SLR). One satellite is completely passive, the other carries active instrumentation to measure the partial pressure of atmospheric constituents, GPS positioning, acceleration in all 3 axes, and surface temperature. The active satellite will be fitted with modulating retro-reflectors. The spacecraft telemetry will be transferred to the ground by modulating and reflecting the SLR laser interrogation beam.