Marshall Engineering Thermosphere Model, Version MET-2007

Abstract

The region of the Earth's atmosphere between about 90 and 500 km altitude is known as the thermosphere, while the region above about 500 km is known as the exosphere. For space vehicle operations, the neutral atmosphere in these regions is significant. Even at its low density, it produces torques and drags on vehicles and affects orbital lifetimes. The thermosphere density above 100 km altitude also modulates the flux of trapped radiation and orbital debris. Atomic oxygen at orbital altitudes is important because it can erode and chemically change exposed vehicle surfaces.