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Satellite-tracking and Earth dynamics research programsThe activities carried out by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) are described. The SAO network continued to track LAGEOS at highest priority for polar motion and Earth rotation studies, and for other geophysical investigations, including crustal dynamics, Earth and ocean tides, and the general development of precision orbit determination. The network performed regular tracking of several other retroreflector satellites including GEOS-1, GEOS-3, BE-C, and Starlette for refined determinations of station coordinates and the Earth's gravity field and for studies of solid Earth dynamics. A major program in laser upgrading continued to improve ranging accuracy and data yield. This program includes an increase in pulse repetition rate from 8 ppm to 30 ppm, a reduction in laser pulse width from 6 nsec to 2 to 3 nsec, improvements in the photoreceiver and the electronics to improve daylight ranging, and an analog pulse detection system to improve range noise and accuracy. Data processing hardware and software are discussed.
Document ID
19820014420
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Contractor Report (CR)
Date Acquired
September 4, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1982
Subject Category
Launch Vehicles And Space Vehicles
Report/Patent Number
NAS 1.26:168836
SPR-45
NASA-CR-168836
Accession Number
82N22294
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-09-015-002
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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