Precise Orbital and Geodetic Parameter Estimation using SLR Observations for ILRS AAC
In this study, we present results of precise orbital geodetic parameter estimation using satellite laser ranging (SLR) observations for the International Laser Ranging Service (ILRS) associate analysis center (AAC). Using normal point observations of LAGEOS-1, LAGEOS-2, ETALON-1, and ETALON-2 in S...
Main Authors: | , , , , , |
---|---|
Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
The Korean Space Science Society
2013-12-01
|
Series: | Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences |
Subjects: | |
Online Access: | http://ocean.kisti.re.kr/downfile/volume/kosss/OJOOBS/2013/v30n4/OJOOBS_2013_v30n4_269.pdf |
Summary: | In this study, we present results of precise orbital geodetic parameter estimation using satellite laser ranging (SLR)
observations for the International Laser Ranging Service (ILRS) associate analysis center (AAC). Using normal point
observations of LAGEOS-1, LAGEOS-2, ETALON-1, and ETALON-2 in SLR consolidated laser ranging data format, the NASA/
GSFC GEODYN II and SOLVE software programs were utilized for precise orbit determination (POD) and finding solutions
of a terrestrial reference frame (TRF) and Earth orientation parameters (EOPs). For POD, a weekly-based orbit determination
strategy was employed to process SLR observations taken from 20 weeks in 2013. For solutions of TRF and EOPs, loosely
constrained scheme was used to integrate POD results of four geodetic SLR satellites. The coordinates of 11 ILRS core sites
were determined and daily polar motion and polar motion rates were estimated. The root mean square (RMS) value of
post-fit residuals was used for orbit quality assessment, and both the stability of TRF and the precision of EOPs by external
comparison were analyzed for verification of our solutions. Results of post-fit residuals show that the RMS of the orbits of
LAGEOS-1 and LAGEOS-2 are 1.20 and 1.12 cm, and those of ETALON-1 and ETALON-2 are 1.02 and 1.11 cm, respectively.
The stability analysis of TRF shows that the mean value of 3D stability of the coordinates of 11 ILRS core sites is 7.0 mm. An
external comparison, with respect to International Earth rotation and Reference systems Service (IERS) 08 C04 results, shows
that standard deviations of polar motion Xp and Yp are 0.754 milliarcseconds (mas) and 0.576 mas, respectively. Our results of
precise orbital and geodetic parameter estimation are reasonable and help advance research at ILRS AAC. |
---|---|
ISSN: | 2093-5587 2093-1409 |