Gravity field refinement by satellite to satellite doppler tracking
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Date
1970-12
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Ohio State University. Division of Geodetic Science
Abstract
Two concepts of satellite to satellite tracking are studied by means of simulated least squares solutions for parameters describing the gravity field. The first concept uses the range rate between two satellites near together in very low orbits. In the second concept, a constellation of very high geostationary satellites track a single satellite in a very low orbit. The experimental results indicate that better resolution of the gravity field can be obtained from two very low satellites. However, satisfactory results can also be obtained when a high geostationary satellite tracks the low satellite. The latter concept is recommended, since it also offers several operational advantages. A single low satellite is shown to be sufficient, although more resolution might be provided by using several satellites at different inclinations. The amount of gravimetric detail that can be resolved depends directly on the altitude of the low satellite. The minimum feasible altitude is considered to be 200 km, and from this altitude features as small as squares 200 km on a side may be resolved. Because of the loss of detail with altitude, satellite to satellite tracking cannot replace surface gravimetry for extremely detailed local surveys of areas smaller than 200 km squares. However, it can effectively fill the gap between the very detailed information obtained from surface gravimetry and the broad scale information obtained from conventional satellite gravimetry. Satellite to satellite Doppler tracking promises to refine our knowledge of the gravity field both by performing fairly detailed surveys of ocean areas and by surveying the gravity field on a global basis.
Description
Prepared for National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Washington, D.C.: Contract No. NGL 36-008-093, OSURF Project No. 2514