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Comparison of atmospheric mass density models using a new data source: COSMIC satellite ephemerides
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  • Yang Yang,
  • Ronald Maj,
  • Changyong He,
  • Robert Norman,
  • Emma Kerr,
  • Brett Anthony Carter,
  • Julie Louise Currie,
  • Steve Gower
Yang Yang
Sun Yat-Sen University

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Ronald Maj
RMIT University
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Changyong He
RMIT University
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Robert Norman
RMIT University
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Emma Kerr
Deimos Space UK
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Brett Anthony Carter
RMIT University
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Julie Louise Currie
RMIT University
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Steve Gower
SERC Limited
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Abstract

Atmospheric mass density (AMD) plays a vital role in the drag calculation for space objects in low Earth orbit (LEO). Many empirical AMD models have been developed and used for orbit prediction and efforts continue to improve their accuracy in forecasting high-altitude atmospheric conditions. Previous studies have assessed these models at the height of 200 km to 600 km. A new empirical AMD model, dubbed as the SERC model, was developed by accounting for ion contribution based on the International Reference Ionosphere 2016 model, including many more ions that are not accounted for in other AMD models. This new model has been assessed in orbit prediction by using a new data source of COSMIC satellite ephemerides at the height of 800 km, where the contribution of ions in the total AMD is more significant. More specifically, two periods of forty days were chosen in 2014–2015 and 2018–2019, representing the solar maximum and minimum periods, respectively, to assess the SERC model and four other state-of-the-art AMD models. Thorough analyses were conducted to compare OP results using different AMD models with precise reference ephemerides of COSMIC satellites and based on various space weather indices. It is indicated that the SERC model outperforms all other AMD models in terms of OP errors during the solar maximum period and yields comparable OP results during the solar minimum period.
01 Feb 2022Published in IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine volume 37 issue 2 on pages 6-22. 10.1109/MAES.2021.3125101