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.
The Reentry of Skylab: Reentry Tracking and Orbit Calculation Skylab. Suivi de la Rentree du Point de Vue Calcul d'Orbit
1979
131 pages
Report
No indication
English
Spacecraft Trajectories & Flight Mechanics , Algorithms , Atmospheric models , Orbit calculation , Radar tracking , Skylab program , Uncontrolled reentry (Spacecraft) , Aerodynamic coefficients , Aerodynamic drag , Altitude , Circular orbits , Impact prediction , Information flow , International cooperation , Numerical integration , Satellite ground tracks , Windows (Intervals) , Foreign technology , Translations
Reentry of Skylab: Operational Aspects
NTIS | 1981
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