Wind estimates near 150 km from the variation in inclination of low-perigee satellite orbits

Precise orbit determinations of five Air Force low-altitude satellites are used to estimate winds near 150 km from variations in the satellite orbital inclinations. Zonal winds determined by this method range from 25 to 200 m/sec during quiet to moderately disturbed geomagnetic conditions, to winds on the order of 300–600 m/sec during active geomagnetic conditions. Comparisons are made with other wind data and appropriate theories.