Accuracy of Computed Orbits of GEOS-3 Satellite,

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA046259 | Open PDF

Abstract:

Twenty-two days of Doppler observations of the GEOS-3 satellite from 37 stations were used to optimize the description of the earths gravity field for use in computing the GEOS-3 orbit. The improved gravity field with permit the determination of the satellite altitude to an accuracy of 2m. Comparison of altimeter measurements on intersecting tracks will permit reduction of this bias to below 70 cm, corresponding to the precision of the altimeter. Uncertainties in vertical velocity of the spacecraft will rarely contribute an error of more than .02 in. to the measurements of deflection of the vertical at sea, which is trivial compared to the accuracy of the altimeter. Author

Author(s):
Anderle, R. J. ; Beuglass, L. K. ; Tanenbaum, M. G.
Author Organization(s):
NAVAL SURFACE WEAPONS CENTER DAHLGREN LAB VA
Pagination:
0034

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
NSWC/DL-TR-3470
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_4.5.4_Requirements Definition; JCA_4.5_Operational Contract Support
Modernization Areas:
Space
Communities of Interest:
No COI(s) Identified
Descriptor(s):
*ORBITS, *DOPPLER SYSTEMS, *GEODETIC SATELLITES, *ALTITUDE, COMPUTER PROGRAMS, MATHEMATICAL MODELS, MEASUREMENT, TRACKING, ACCURACY, ERRORS, RADIO ALTIMETERS, GRAVITATIONAL FIELDS, SATELLITE TRACKING SYSTEMS
Field(s)/Group(s):
Unmanned Spacecraft, Spacecraft Trajectories and Reentry
Keyword(s):
GEOS 3 satellite, GEOS(Geodetic Earth Orbiting Satellites)
Report Date:
1976 May 01