Venus Express Atmospheric Drag Measurements (VIDEO)
Caption
This animation demonstrates the orbital perturbations to Venus Express caused by the atmospheric drag experienced as the spacecraft skims the atmosphere of Venus. To experience the drag, the spacecraft must pass the planet at altitudes below 200 km. The orbital perturbation results in a shrinking of the elliptical orbit of Venus Express. The farthest point from the planet lowers and the orbit becomes slightly more circular. This effect has been exaggerated in the animation.
Credit
Animation courtesy of P. Rosenblatt, Royal Observatory of Belgium
Usage Restrictions
For non-commercial use only. For free use only with full credit line indicated.
License
Licensed content