Simulating Realistic Satellite Orbits in the Undergraduate Classroom

Abstract

Physics students are intrigued by activities in space. To link this natural curiosity with solid problem-solving skills, we developed a spreadsheet simulation for satellites moving through an atmosphere of variable density. The simulation-laboratory has been used in U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) introductory physics classes for several semesters. Spreadsheet variants have also been used in a USAFA advanced division space physics class, a high school advanced placement physics class, and in the Center for Integrated Space Weather Modeling graduate summer school course.

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“…The third geospace lab was adopted from one developed at the U.S. Air Force Academy to explore changes in satellite drag when the upper atmosphere is disturbed by space weather [Knipp et al, 2005]. The final lab uses results from the thermosphere-ionosphere electrodynamics general circulation model (TIE-GCM) [Hughes andHudson, 2004, p. 1425] to look at the global and vertical structure of the ionosphere as it is driven by Space Physics for Graduate Students: An Activities-Based Approach…”

Space Physics for Graduate Students: An Activities‐Based Approach

“…The third geospace lab was adopted from one developed at the U.S. Air Force Academy to explore changes in satellite Space Physics for Graduate Students: An Activities-Based Approach drag when the upper atmosphere is disturbed by space weather [Knipp et al, 2005]. The final lab uses results from the thermosphere-ionosphere electrodynamics general circulation model (TIE-GCM) [Hughes andHudson, 2004, p. 1425] to look at the global and vertical structure of the ionosphere as it is driven by either fluctuations in the magnetosphere or changes in the solar extreme ultraviolet flux.…”

Eos, Transactions, American Geophysical Union Volume 90, Number 2, 13 January 2009

“…The third geospace lab was adopted from one developed at the U.S. Air Force Academy to explore changes in satellite drag when the upper atmosphere is disturbed by space weather [Knipp et al, 2005]. The final lab uses results from the thermosphere-ionosphere electrodynamics general circulation model (TIE-GCM) [Hughes andHudson, 2004, p. 1425] to look at the global and vertical structure of the ionosphere as it is driven by Space Physics for Graduate Students: An Activities-Based Approach Space Physics cont.…”