Dec 13 1978
From The Space Library
MSFC reported that LaRC scientists were using the Pioneer Venus mission for an atmospheric-drag experiment to measure for the first time the orbital decay of a spacecraft in orbit around another planet. Orbital decay would result from atmospheric friction as the low point of Pioneer Venus 1's orbit came within 150km (93mi) of Venus's surface. From atmospheric drag, scientists could determine variations in the density of Venus's upper atmosphere and deduce composition and temperature. Changes in the frequencies of the spacecraft's radio signals has determined orbital decay with an accuracy of better than one part in a million. (Marshall Star, Dec 13/78, 2)
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