An extensive atmospheric density data base has been developed using accelerometer results from four low altitude satellites. The altitude range of the data is from 250 km down to as low as 140 km, with latitude coverage from 90 N to 90 S and local time periods that cover several 24-hr cycles. The data were obtained over a wide range of geomagnetic activity conditions. Solar radiation, as indicated by the 10.7-cm flux, was generally very low. Hence the data base applies mainly to solar minimum conditions. A description of the satellites, the accelerometer experiment, and the data base is given. Density variability is statistically analyzed in relation to selected atmospheric models. Particular attention is given to deviations from a normal distribution. Frequency distribitons of the data are described in terms of the mean value and the second, third, and fourth moments about the mean. This provides a more accurate description of extreme variations. The statistical properties of atmospheric variability are analyzed as a function of geomagnetic activity, latitude, altitude, and local time to develop a quantitative knowledge of unmodeled density variations. The results show that these accelerometer data will permit significant improvement in understanding the variations in the lower thermospheric density.

The Cannon Ball II and SPADES satellites carried triaxial accelerometer systems for accurate measurement of neutral atmospheric density. Cannon Ball II was launched 6 August 1971 into a polar elliptic orbit in which the initial perigee was at the extremely low altitude of 132 km. SPADES was launched 11 July 1968 into a polar elliptic orbit in which the initial perigee was at 155 km. The data, analyzed to deduce an average density profile for each satellite for summer conditions in the northern hemisphere, are for the altitude region 135 to 250 km, where measurements have heretofore been extremely sparse. Comparisons were made with recent models and experimental data. These results are intended to be supplemented by those of lower-thermosphere studies now being carried out on accelerometer data from the Atmosphere Explorer satellites and a low-altitude Air Force satellite. Comprehensive analyses of accelerometer data low-altitude satellites will allow accurate modeling of the lower thermosphere. These models are required for improving calculation of the trajectories of Air Force systems vehicles and other spacecraft.

Satellite accelerometer measurements of atmospheric density have provided significant improvement in our understanding of the structure and dynamics of the lower thermosphere. Derivation of accurate data with this technique requires removal of instrument bias from the total sensor output. The ROCA (Rotatable Calibration Accelerometer) experiment was flown to provide and orbital calibration capability on the three-axis stabilized S3-4 satellite. The ROCA sensitive axis could be operated in either of two orientations selectable by ground command. For density measurement (normal operating mode) the sensitive axis was aligned with the satellite velocity vector. For direct measurement of bias, the sensitive axis was aligned perpendicular to the velocity vector. Utilization of the inflight calibration technique showed a dependence of the bias upon the instrument operating temperature. Removal of the bias-temperature component from the total acceleration signal obtained in the normal operating mode permits derivation of accurate density data. Measurements of atmospheric density were obtained during approximately 600 orbits over a five month period. The resulting ROCA data will be utilized for improved satellite ephemeris computations and for detailed studies of the lower thermosphere, particularly those related to energy inputs at high latitudes. (Author).

Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Geophysical Monograph Series, Volume 201. Modeling the Ionosphere-Thermosphere System brings together for the first time a detailed description of the physics of the IT system in conjunction with numerical techniques to solve the complex system of equations that describe the system, as well as issues of current interest. Volume highlights include discussions of: Physics of the ionosphere and thermosphere IT system, and the numerical methods to solve the basic equations of the IT system The physics and numerical methods to determine the global electrodynamics of the IT system The response of the IT system to forcings from below (i.e., the lower atmosphere) and from above (i.e., the magnetosphere) The physics and numerical methods to model ionospheric irregularities Data assimilation techniques, comparison of model results to data, climate variability studies, and applications to space weather Providing a clear description of the physics of this system in several tutorial-like articles, Modeling the Ionosphere-Thermosphere System is of value to the upper atmosphere science community in general. Chapters describing details of the numerical methods used to solve the equations that describe the IT system make the volume useful to both active researchers in the field and students.