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Changes in the Inclination of Satellite Orbits to the Equator

Nature volume 183, pages 239–240 (1959)Cite this article

Abstract

IN a recent article1, we gave some details of changes in the orbital inclination of Sputnik 2 (1957β) and suggested that these changes might be caused by the rotation of the atmosphere. Bosanquet has presented an analysis2 which supports this view, giving fair agreement with the observed changes. We have now completed a more thorough investigation, taking into account the spread of atmospheric resistance around perigee.

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References

  1. Merson, R. H., and King-Hele, D. G., Nature, 182, 640 (1958).

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  2. Bosanquet, C. H., Nature, 182, 1533 (1958).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough, Hants.

    R. H. MERSON, D. G. KING-HELE & R. N. A. PLIMMER

Authors
  1. R. H. MERSON
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  2. D. G. KING-HELE
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  3. R. N. A. PLIMMER
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MERSON, R., KING-HELE, D. & PLIMMER, R. Changes in the Inclination of Satellite Orbits to the Equator. Nature 183, 239–240 (1959). https://doi.org/10.1038/183239b0

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