Spectral Analysis of Borowiec SLR Data For Spin Determination Of Geodetic Satellite EGP

Abstract

Borowiec 10 Hz Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) station is capable to measure spin of the Japanese Experimental Geodetic Satellite (EGP). Spectral analysis of 391 passes measured from March 10, 1994 to November 27, 2009 gives frequency signal representing the 3 rd and the 6 th harmonics of the satellite spin rate. Analysis of this signal, corrected for the apparent effects, indicates en exponential slowing down of the satellite: the spin rate decreases according to the equation f = 671.115907 • exp(-4.08324 x 10 -5 • D) [mHz], where D is a day after launch. More than 15 years of the SLR measurements allowed investigating the initial spin rate of the satellite f ini = 671.116, RMS = 0.203 [mHz] (initial spin period T ini = 1.49006, RMS = 0.0007 [s]).

Impact of the Atmospheric Drag on Starlette, Stella, Ajisai, and Lares Orbits

“…On the other hand, the layers of aluminum nets and a partly hollow interior minimize the magnetic torques affecting other geodetic satellites made of solid metal. AJISAI is one of the fastest spinning object amongst the geodetic satellites (Kucharski et al, 2013). Its specific construction prevents the Earth's magnetic field from inducing eddy currents in the body, hence minimizing the slowdown of its spin and stabilizing the orientation of the spacecraft.…”