We investigated the retrieval of atmospheric mass densities in lower thermosphere below 200 km from precise orbit of re-entry object CZ-3B R/B by analytical and numerical methods. The operation flows of analytical and numerical methods to retrieve atmospheric mass densities in lower thermosphere below 200 km from precise orbit of re-entry object are given. Settingthe time-span as one minute, the atmospheric mass densities in lower thermosphere below 200 km are successfully retrieved from the rebuilt precise orbit of re-entry object CZ-3B R/B, and the specific retrieval results are obtained. The retrieved atmospheric mass densities have relatively high time resolution.

The retrieval of atmospheric mass densities in lower thermosphere below 200 km from precise orbit of re-entry object is verified to be valid. It is a feasible approach to acquire knowledge and understanding of atmospheric mass densities in lower thermosphere below 200 km.

This work by Ming-Jiang Zhang, Hong-Bo Wang, Chang-Yin Zhao, Jian-Ning Xiong, Dong Wei, Wei Zhangand Sheng-Xian Yu has been published in Astrophysics and Space Science. Vol.363 No.8

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https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10509-018-3396-9