Initial Results of the NAVSTAR GPS NTS-2 Satellite

Navigation Technology Satellite 2 NTS-2 was successfully launched on June 23, 1977, into a near-12-hour circular orbit. Precise frequency and timing signals are derived from the two cesium frequency standards. This report discusses the launch and preliminary results, which include verification of the relativistic clock effect. An international time-transfer experiment is planned, and a worldwide synchronization accuracy of less than 100 nanoseconds is anticipated, based on preliminary time-transfer results between Cape Kennedy and the U.S. Naval Observatory. A proposed NASA laser-tracking network will be used to verify the accuracy of the Global Positioning System GPS orbits.