Improved orbit prediction of LEO objects with calibrated atmospheric mass density model.

The accuracy of atmospheric mass density models is critical for OP (orbit prediction) of LEO (low earth orbit) space objects. This paper studies the effects of three methods on the improvement of OP accuracy for LEO objects, where only TLE (two-line element) data are used. Fifty objects at altitudes between 400 and 600 km are chosen for the study, with 20 or 40 being used as calibration objects, and the others as verification objects. The results show that about a 30 percent reduction in OP errors can be achieved for a 10-day prediction time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]