CAREER: Upper Atmospheric Density from Precision Orbit Determination

利用精确的卫星轨道星历数据和卫星激光测距，在小至两小时的时间尺度上测量热层的绝对总密度和密度波动。高精度数据是从两颗载有非常精确的加速度计信息的卫星以及从适用于数百颗卫星的最佳轨道确定技术中的现代卡尔曼滤波分析中检索的。精确确定200公里至1400公里之间的大气密度及其随时间的变化，有助于验证大气密度模型和准确量化卫星阻力。导出的密度波动与太阳通量代理和磁指数的相关性被用来研究时间和全球密度变化对太阳和地磁强迫的敏感性。通过为研究生开设轨道力学和高层大气物理学课程，将研究带入课堂。该课程提供远程学习参与的选项。工程设计项目是为本科生的研究参与而开发的，与海龟岩社区学院的正式合作通过研究生助理的参与和学院的讲座将美洲原住民直接带入研究计划。

Absolute total density and density fluctuations in the thermosphere, on time scales as small as two hours, are measured using precision satellite orbit ephemeris data and satellite laser ranging. High precision data are retrieved from two satellites with very precise accelerometer information on board, and from modern Kalman filtering analyses within the optimal orbit determination technique applicable to hundreds of satellites. The precise determination of atmospheric density between 200 km and 1400 km and its temporal variation is useful for validation of atmospheric density models and for accurate quantification of satellite drag. Correlation of derived density fluctuations with solar flux proxies and magnetic indices are used to investigate the sensitivity of temporal and global density changes to solar and geomagnetic forcing. The research is brought into the classroom by creation of an orbital mechanics and upper atmospheric physics class for graduate students. That course is offered with the option of distance learning participation. Engineering design projects are developed for undergraduate research participation, and a formal collaboration with the Turtle Rock Community College brings Native Americans directly into the research program through graduate assistant participation and lectures at the College.