DENSITY MODEL CORRECTIONS AT LOW ALTITUDES DERIVED FROM ANDE ORBIT DATA

This paper examines atmospheric densities derived from ANDE (Atmospheric Neutral Density Experiment) orbit data during the course of the satellite lifetimes. These satellites' missions occurred while the Sun was relatively quiet, with the second ANDE mission occurring during solar minimum. This results in less variability in the atmosphere, and is expected to allow better observation of thermospheric density structures. The results are compared to density values given by both Jacchia and NRLMSISE-00 atmospheric density models. The deviation from the model densities will be compared to model deviations for the CHAMP and GRACE satellites which also have independent atmospheric density calculations via the high accuracy accelerometers carried by the satellites. Better understanding of atmospheric density variations will allow orbits to be more accurately predicted and is a key component to delaying or even preventing the Kessler syndrome.