Abstract
PREVIOUS correspondents1–3 have discussed the derivation of a simple formula for the life-time T of an Earth satellite. The formula concerned is: where P is the period, dP/dt the rate of change of period with time, e the eccentricity, a the semi-major axis and 1/k the atmospheric scale-height. This formula is valid provided e is both sufficiently small and sufficiently large, and the last two terms on the right-hand side (given here for the first time) indicate the limitations on e.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
References
Fejer, J. A., Nature, 180, 1413 (1957).
Scott, J. M. C., Nature, 180, 1467 (1957).
Leslie, D. C. M., Nature, 181, 403 (1958).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
GROVES, G. Effect of the Earth's Equatorial Bulge on the Life-time of Artificial Satellites and its use in determining Atmospheric Scale-Heights. Nature 181, 1055 (1958). https://doi.org/10.1038/1811055a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/1811055a0
This article is cited by
-
Predicting the Life-Times of Artificial Satellites in Theory and Practice
Nature (1962)
-
Density of the Atmosphere at Heights Between 200 km. and 400 km., from Analysis of Artificial Satellite Orbits
Nature (1959)
-
Air Density in the Upper Atmosphere from Satellite Orbit Observations
Nature (1959)
-
Effect of Air Drag on the Orbit of the Russian Earth Satellite 1957β: Comparison of Theory and Observation
Nature (1958)
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.