Comparison of atmospheric mass density models using a new data source: COSMIC satellite ephemerides

Atmospheric mass density (AMD) plays a vital role in the drag calculation for space objects in low Earth orbit (LEO). Many empirical AMD models have been developed and used for orbit prediction and efforts continue to improve their accuracy in forecasting high-altitude atmospheric conditions. Previous studies have assessed these models at the height of 200 km to 600 km. A new empirical AMD model, dubbed as the SERC model, was developed by accounting for ion contribution based on the International Reference Ionosphere 2016 model, including many more ions that are not accounted for in other AMD models. This new model has been assessed in orbit prediction by using a new data source of COSMIC satellite ephemerides at the height of 800 km, where the contribution of ions in the total AMD is more significant. More specifically, two periods of forty days were chosen in 2014--2015 and 2018--2019, representing the solar maximum and minimum periods, respectively, to assess the SERC model and four other state-of-the-...