Study of Venus Neutral Upper Atmosphere Using Magellan Drag Measurements

摘要

This annual progress report summarizes the major accomplishments made in the first year of this study. During this time period, we have adjusted the Magellan atmospheric drag measurements to account for the changes in the spacecraft cross section with time. Also the models of the Venus neutral upper atmosphere structure and composition given in the Venus International Reference Atmosphere (VIRA) have been substantially improved by taking into account the Magellan atmospheric drag data over the period 1992-1994, and the final Pioneer Venus data from 1992, and atomic hydrogen drag effects.