The calculations undertaken as part of the French effort in the final tracking of Skylab are discussed. The radar and optical tracking system is described and the quality of measurements is assessed. The Skylab orbit during the last eight days before impact is analyzed. The atmospheric model used in making orbit predictions is shown and the reentry prediction algorithm is given in detail. Orbit determination are used to identify the mean aerodynamic coefficient in function of height which represents the rate of orbit decay for the period. Results are shown as predictions of the Skylab ground tracks.


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    Title :

    The Reentry of Skylab: Reentry Tracking and Orbit Calculation Skylab. Suivi de la Rentree du Point de Vue Calcul d'Orbit


    Contributors:
    J. P. Carrou (author) / J. M. Robert (author) / D. Vienne (author) / F. Barlier (author) / R. Futaully (author)

    Publication date :

    1979


    Size :

    131 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English





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