Estimability and simple dynamical analyses of range (range-rate and range-difference) observations to artificial satellites
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Date
1978-12
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Ohio State University. Division of Geodetic Science
Abstract
The estimable quantities are indicated for simple dynamical analyses of range (range-rate and range-difference) observations to artificial satellites. The philosophy of the analysis is based on non-Bayesian statistics. Not only no a priori knowledge for the parameters (in terms of probabilities) is assumed, but also the mathematical models are developed with unconditional estimable parameters (avoiding minimum constraints). It is argued that the Bayesian approach might lead to too optimistic results. In particular, the simulation studies centered around laser range observations to LAGEOS. The capabilities of satellite laser ranging especially in connection with relative station positioning are evaluated. The satellite measurement system under investigation may fall short in precise determinations of the earth's orientation (precession and nutation) and the earth's rotation (UTl) as opposed to systems as Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) and Lunar Laser Ranging (LLR). Relative station positioning, determination of (differential) polar motion, positioning of stations with respect to the earth's center of mass and determination of the earth's gravity field should be easily realized by Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR). The last two features should be considered as best (or solely) determinable by SLR in contrast to VLBI and LLR.
Description
Prepared for National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland: Grant No. NSG 5265, OSURF Project 711055