Ephemeris Estimation of a Well-Defined Platform Using Satellite Laser Rangingfrom a Reduced Number of Ground Sites

摘要

This study presents the results of an analysis comparing ephemerides obtainedusing Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) derived from a reduced number of ground sites. The study provides insight into the extent to which ephemeris can be determined for an extremely well-specified satellite. The study was conducted to determine the viability of using a single SLR site to provide an independent method of verifying onboard Global Positioning System navigational performance. Computational simulations included varying the number and distribution of sites as well as empirical modeling of nonconservative forces to determine the limitations of this SLR-based reduction strategy.