The objective of the TOLEOS project is the production of thermosphere density and crosswind observations derived from the accelerometer measurements of the CHAMP, GRACE, and GRACE-FO missions.
Altitude evolution of accelerometer-carrying satellites launched since 2000. Colour indicates presently available data, while grey indicates unprocessed data. In spring 2022, all data from the CHAMP, GRACE and GRACE-FO will be processed with improved standards
Detailed and accurate models of the satellite's geometry form the basis for the aerodynamic and radiation pressure modelling. The geometry models are published as STL files on our FTP server.
The flow of atoms and molecules around the satellite is simulated with the SPARTA DSMC code developed by Sandia National laboratories, taking into account the gas-surface interactions. The aerodynamic models are available as look-up tables on our FTP server.
The effect of radiation pressure is modelled using ray tracing. Millions of light rays illuminate the satellite from every direction to simulate the radiation pressure, taking into account the thermo-optical properties of the surfaces.
Project lead, accelerometer, density and crosswind data processing
Density and crosswind data validation
Validation of radiation pressure modelling
Density and crosswind data validation
TU Delft
Kluyverweg 1
2629 HS Delft
The Netherlands
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