Modelling the Effects of Thermospheric Winds on Satellite Orbits

Statistics – Applications

Scientific paper

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Scientific paper

In this study we try to quantify the perturbing effect of thermospheric winds on spacecraft such as the ERS series of satellites, which are maintained in their orbits by the European Space Operations Centre. In computing orbital perturbations caused by atmospheric drag effects, ESOC make use of the MSIS atmospheric density model, but do not routinely consider the effects that winds may have on the spacecraft. To examine whether this could be a significant source of orbital perturbation we use the UCL thermosphere-ionsophere model to compute along-track and across-track winds around the ERS orbit, for a variety of solar and geomagnetic conditions. We show that wind speeds of 300-400m/s are not uncommon at high latitudes and under certain conditions they may be greater. We discuss whether the effects of thermospheric winds are cumulative when integrated around the orbit, and we also discuss the feasibility of using the wind model in routine spacecraft operations.

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