Nebula Public Library

The knowledge bank of ESA’s R&D programmes

AEROVEL: Aerodrag Estimation for Very Low Earth Orbits

Programme
Discovery
Programme Reference
24-D-S-TEC-01-b-d
Contractor
THALES ALENIA SPACE UK LIMITED
Start Date
End Date
Status
Closed
Country
UK
AEROVEL: Aerodrag Estimation for Very Low Earth Orbits
Description

Aerodrag is a dominant force acting on spacecraft operating in Very Low Earth orbit (VLEO). Accurately measuring aerodrag is essential for precise orbit determination and orbit control, consequently, precise attitude determination, better collision avoidance, and longer life missions. Conventional methods for aerodrag estimation rely on GNSS measurements with simplified onboard models, which can be unreliable or inaccurate due to environmental factors, such as atmospheric disturbances or ionospheric scintillation. This study employes Pressure / Force sensors, Temperature Sensors, and mass spectrometers to estimate density / aerodrag. The activity performed simulation of the suitability of these sensors and make a proposal for future work.

Technology Domain
10 - Flight Dynamics and GNSS
Executive summary