Remote Measurement of Upper Atmospheric Density. A Feasibility Study

摘要

Orbital reentry of large maneuverable vehicles and the potential to modify orbital parameters using the aerobreaking technique have increased the need to understand in detail the variability of atmospheric density in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere. The variability of mass density in the mesosphere has been apparent for many years, being seen in sounding rocket data, backscatter radar profiles, and airglow optical emissions. The systematic variations that have been determined from these data sets are the obvious seasonal, latitudinal, and local time dependences that are prescribed in the major models in use today. These models, however, are based on limited data and thus, are not useful in making predictions or forecasts of the effects of planetary waves or gravity wave breaking. The primary fact holding back the improvement of these models and the development of a forecasting technique is the lack of a sufficiently large and accurate morphological data base. This global data base must rely on a sampling technique that will provide a morphology of the atmospheric density in the critical 60 to 120 km region. The only practical method of providing global information is to use a remote sensing technique for earth orbit, given a technique that has the required accuracy and spatial sensitivity. (JHD)