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Bimodality in reentry latitude predictions for spacecraft in prograde orbits

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  • Robert A. Bettinger

Abstract

Probability distribution functions (PDFs) of atmospheric reentry latitude predictions are shown to be bimodal for spacecraft in low-eccentricity, prograde low Earth orbits at altitudes of 300 km and lower. Using two-line element (TLE) data for initial orbit conditions, coupled with coarse estimates for spacecraft aerodynamic characteristics, parametric simulations produce bimodal distributions that suggest a greater likelihood of reentry near the latitudinal maxima of a given spacecraft's ground track. Various computational measures are used to test for and quantify bimodality in the reentry latitude data sets. Also, a method for approximating bandwidth is introduced for the kernel estimation of reentry latitude probability density. Overall, statistical analysis indicates that actual reentry latitudes are generally within 1-σ of observed hemisphere means as demonstrated by six historical reentry cases.

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  • Robert A. Bettinger, 2023. "Bimodality in reentry latitude predictions for spacecraft in prograde orbits," Journal of Applied Statistics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 50(2), pages 434-450, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:japsta:v:50:y:2023:i:2:p:434-450
    DOI: 10.1080/02664763.2021.2008328
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