Comparison of and results obtained from observing systems.
Geopotential coefficients from optical, laser range and radio system data, discussing refined coordinates for Baker-Nunn cameras for satellite tracking
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Geopotential coefficients from optical, laser range and radio system data, discussing refined coordinates for Baker-Nunn cameras for satellite tracking
Center-of-mass coordinates for 28 NASA MOTS and SAO Baker-Nunn camera sites have been obtained from optical flash data from Geos 1 (1965 89A) and Geos 2 (1968 002A). More than 25,000 observations in about 100 two-day arcs were used in dynamical solutions (SAO 1969 AGU gravity model). Comparison of results with local survey solutions and with solutions from deep-space vehicle tracking suggests accuracy of about 2 meters in longitude and height and 5 meters in latitude. The relatively larger error in latitude arose from propagation of gravity-model error largely along the track of these high-inclination satellites. The results have also been compared with the solutions of the SAO 1969 standard earth for station coordinates on the North American datum. The solution obtained in the present work is much closer to the survey results in chord length between stations.
The origins of the satellite geodesy program are described, starting with the International Geophysical Year, continuing through a number of international programs, and culminating with the National Geodetic Satellite Program. The philosophical basis for the Baker-Nunn camera and the laser ranging system, the evolution of international scientific cooperation, and the significance of the results are discussed.
Observations and research progress of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory are reported. Satellite tracking networks (ground stations) are discussed and equipment (Baker-Nunn cameras) used to observe the satellites is described. The improvement of the accuracy of a laser ranging system of the ground stations is discussed. Also, research efforts in satellite geodesy (tides, gravity anomalies, plate tectonics) is discussed. The use of data processing for geophysical data is examined, and a data base for the Earth and Ocean Physics Applications Program is proposed. Analytical models of the earth's motion (computerized simulation) are described and the computation (numerical integration and algorithms) of satellite orbits affected by the earth's albedo, using computer techniques, is also considered. Research efforts in the study of the atmosphere are examined (the effect of drag on satellite motion), and models of the atmosphere based on satellite data are described.
The basic purpose of this experiment was to compute reduced normal equations from the observational data of several different systems described below to combine them eventually with the normal equations of the Wild BC-4 observations taken in the DOD/DOC cooperative worldwide geodetic satellite program and provide station coordinates from a single least squares adjustment. The solution described is a partial one obtained without the use of the BC-4 data. The observational systems combined were the Baker-Nunn simultaneous camera observational systems combined were the Baker-Nunn simultaneous camera observations from the SAO worldwide network, the MOTS and PC-1000 optical observations in North America, miscellaneous camera observations in Europe which were included in the SAO69 solution, and, lastly, a group of optical observations where Baker-Nunn cameras observed simultaneously with MOTS and/or PC-1000 cameras in the previously mentioned group.
Spacecraft tracking and data acquisition - baker- nunn camera network, minitrack, deep space network and manned space network
Orbital elements of the satellite vanguard iii
Baker-Nunn photography of Syncom II fourth stage ignition and Centaur vehicle AC-2
Baker-Nunn photography of Syncom II fourth stage ignition, duration, and burnout
Optical tracking of Centaur vehicle AC-2 by Baker-Nunn system
Tesseral harmonics of coordinates using Baker- Nunn data and geopotential and dynamical procedures, noting iterative cycle for correction determination
Orbital data derived from photoreduced Baker- Nunn observations
Baker-Nunn photography of Intelsat 2-F2 apogee-motor firing
Corrections to Smithsonian astrophysical observing station coordinates and nonzonal harmonics from combination of dynamical and geometrical method
Tesseral harmonics of coordinates using Baker- Nunn data and geopotential and dynamical procedures, noting iterative cycle for correction determination
Corrections to station coordinates and nonzonal coefficients of geogravitational potential from Baker-Nunn observations by combined dynamical and geometrical method
Artificial satellites tracking by Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, discussing station locations, instrumentation, operation modes, interface and selection
Determination of Love number of earth from variations of orbital inclinations of satellites