MAGNETIC FIELD AND ATOMIC OXYGEN: HIDDEN RESISTANCES IN ORBIT
Keywords:
artificial satellite, orbital decay, atomic oxygen, ionosphere, Earth’s magnetic, Ampere force, Lorentz force, plasma, ISS, atmospheric dragAbstract
This article analyzes hidden resistance mechanisms responsible for the orbital decay of low-Earth-orbit satellites. The main objective of the study is to identify the influence of atomic oxygen and electrodynamic effects in Earth’s magnetic field in addition to conventional atmospheric drag. The research methodology is based on classical mechanics, energy conservation analysis, and theoretical estimations involving Lorentz and Ampere forces. Using the International Space Station (ISS) as a representative example, the contributions of collisions with atomic oxygen ions and magnetically induced electric currents to orbital decay are quantitatively evaluated. The results demonstrate that at altitudes of 300–400 km, the effect of neutral atmospheric molecules is insufficient to explain the observed orbital decay, whereas atomic oxygen ions play a dominant role. During geomagnetic storms, increased ion concentration significantly enhances the braking force acting on satellites. The study concludes that near-Earth space is not an empty vacuum but an active plasma-filled environment, and that accounting for electrodynamic interactions is essential for improving satellite lifetime and optimizing fuel consumption in future spacecraft design.
References
Qodirov M. Kosmik fizika asoslari va sun’iy yo‘ldoshlar harakati. – t.: fan, 2015. – bet 215. (Kosmic physics fundamentals and satellite motion)
Abdullayev A., Karimov B. yer atmosferasining yuqori qatlamlari fizikasi. – t.: o‘zbekiston, 2018. – bet 178. (Physics of the upper atmosphere of the earth)
Chapman S., Cowling T. G. the mathematical theory of non-uniform gases. – cambridge: cambridge university press, 1970. – p. 423. (математическая теория неоднородных газов)
Banks p. M., Kockart a. E. Aeronomy. – New York: academic press, 1973. – p. 355. (Аэрономия)
Wertz J. R., Larson W. J. space mission analysis and design. – dordrecht: microcosm press, 1999. – p. 969. (Анализ и проектирование космических миссий)
Parker E. N. Interplanetary dynamics. – New York: wiley, 1963. – p. 272. (Межпланетная динамика)
Hastings D., Garrett H. Spacecraft–environment interactions. – cambridge: cambridge university press, 1996. – p. 344. (Взаимодействие космических аппаратов с окружающей средой)
Schunk R. W., Nagy A. F. Ionospheres: physics, plasma physics, and chemistry. – cambridge: cambridge university press, 2009. – p. 628. (Ионосферы: физика, плазменная физика и химия)
Kelley M. C. The earth’s ionosphere: plasma physics and electrodynamics. – san diego: academic press, 2009. – p. 556. (Ионосфера земли: плазменная физика и электродинамика)
Chen F. F. Introduction to plasma physics and controlled fusion. – New York: springer, 2016. – p. 421. (Введение в физику плазмы)
Prölss G. W. Physics of the earth’s space environment. – berlin: springer, 2004. – p. 540. (Физика космической среды земли)
Vallado D. A. Fundamentals of astrodynamics and applications. – new york: microcosm press, 2013. – p. 1106. (Основы астродинамики и приложения)
(+998)90 142-39-38
m.z.abdutolibov@gmail.com
@universal_jurnal
House 189 Kashgar Street, Marhamat district, Andijan region