DragTrack

Version: 0.10.1

DragTrack calculates real-time and short-lead thermospheric density profiles, driven by publicly available satellite drag and space weather data. DragTrack also maintains a catalog of daily-averaged drag accelerations for LEO satellites.

Caveats:

Limited constraints at low (<300km) and high (>600 km) altitudes. Limited constraints on spatial variation.

Inputs

Two-Line-Elements (Space-Track), F10.7 Radio Flux (GFZ), Solar Wind (SPDF, NOAA SWPC), GOES/EUVS (NOAA NCEI, SWPC), F10.7 & Kp/Ap Forecast (NOAA SWPC)

Outputs

Real-Time: Three-tiered solver-, parameterization-, and activity scenario-based density estimates from the past 27 days through the present

Forecast: Density estimates (baseline and activity scenarios) through the next 45 days using available NOAA SWPC Kp/Ap and F10.7 predictions Historical: Solver-based density estimates from 2014 to present at available daily and sub-daily cadences

LEO Object Drag: TLE-calculated drag accelerations, ballistic coefficients, and orbital parameters of all non-maneuvering NORAD-tracked satellites with perigee < 1000km. Identification of ‘ballistically-stable’ objects used in the solver

Domains

Thermosphere

Space Weather Impacts

Atmosphere variability (satellite/debris drag)

Phenomena

Atmosphere Expansion

Publications

Near Real-Time Thermospheric Density Monitoring from Public Satellite Tracking and Space Weather Data

Contacts

Daniel J Gershman, NASA GSFC (Model Developer)

Publication Policy

In addition to any model-specific policy, please refer to the General Publication Policy.