Commercial use of Atmospheric Drag Models for Conjunction Operations
Id: 395
Type: Presentation
Published: 11/19/2025
Event: Auburn OD Seminar
Authors:
Click an author to filter the list of related assets below.Abstract:
Accurate propagation of Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) satellites is increasingly important for conjunction analyses where numerous mega-constellations are planned or are being built. The predominant source of uncertainty for LEO satellites is due to mis-modeling of atmospheric drag. There are plenty of opportunities for uncertainty – from the indices, to the density models themselves. These errors translate directly to increased uncertainty in the ability to accurately predict satellite conjunctions which could be devastating to orbital regimes and adversely affect space commerce activities. This presentation examines several of these topics and provide numerical examples to help understand the relative effect of each.
Citation:
Vallado, D.A., “Commercial use of Atmospheric Drag Models for Conjunction Operations,” Auburn University seminar, 19 Nov 2025.
