Published May 1986 | Version v1
Journal article

Sensitive radar search for small natural satellites of the earth

  • 1. USAF, Directorate of Astrodynamic Applications, Peterson AFB, CO
  • 2. Michigan Univ., Ann Arbor

Description

Radar tracking data from NORAD were used to perform a sensitive search for small natural satellites of the earth. This search would be sensitive to satellites ranging from 5 cm in diameter with perigee heights of approximately less than 400 km to about 40 cm with perigees of approximately less than 10,000 km. While a few unidentified objects were found, these were all near transfer orbits likely to contain debris from satellite launches. No objects that are unlikely to be manmade were seen. 8 references

Additional details

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Astron. J.
Journal Volume
91
Series
Astron. J.
Journal Page Range
1238-1241
ISSN
0004-6256
CODEN
ANJOA

INIS

Country of Publication
United States
Country of Input or Organization
United States
INIS RN
18007344
Subject category
S79: ASTROPHYSICS, COSMOLOGY AND ASTRONOMY;
Descriptors DEI
ASTRONOMY; EARTH PLANET; RADAR; SATELLITES; SIZE
Descriptors DEC
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS; PLANETS; RANGE FINDERS