GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Space technology (ISRO, missions)· Prelims·
Researchers at Kyoto University used Starlink satellite data to map thermospheric density, providing a method to verify ESA's Swarm data and improve satellite collision risk models.
Researchers used orbital data from approximately 1,200 Starlink satellites to estimate thermospheric density at an altitude of 482 km. The study utilized tomography to map geographic variations in atmospheric drag and was published in the journal 'Earth, Planets and Space'.
Q. Discuss the challenges of space debris management and the importance of accurate atmospheric modeling in ensuring orbital safety for satellite constellations.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
Keywords: orbital mechanics · thermospheric density · satellite constellation · space situational awareness · tomography
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