A recent article in the journal Advances in Space Research says that Chinese scientists have managed to achieve the neutral atmospheric density at an altitude of 90 to 200 kilometers.

Solar and geomagnetic activity, as well as terrain, weather, and gravitational waves, all have an impact on the near-space atmosphere.

Using the density of the near-space atmosphere as a fundamental parameter, one can investigate how the sun-Earth system works physically and how the circular layer is coupled.

The near-space atmosphere is traversed by spacecraft. The precise determination of the density of the near-space atmosphere has an impact on precision orbiting, avoiding space debris collisions, and spacecraft reentry control.

Tomographic scanning of the atmospheric density in near space was achieved by using a satellite platform, and worldwide real-time detection was successfully achieved.

The Chinese Academy of Sciences researchers discovered that the atmospheric density returned by the new method is qualitatively comparable with prior independent X-ray occultation results, which are likewise lower than empirical model projections, according to the research report.

As the altitude rises from 150 to 200 kilometers, the accuracy of the atmospheric density retrieved values decreases.

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