Determining Geophysical Phenomena. A Geophysical Analysis of Satellite Laser Data.

Abstract

Precision laser tracking data on three close-earth satellites (Geos 1, Geos 2, and Lageos) are analyzed to obtain measurements of ocean tides, body tides, (including the core-mantle resonance) and other mass displacements, from perturbations of the node and inclination. Mean elements are computed for 6.0 years for Geos 1, 4.9 years for Geos 2, and 2.1 years for Lageos. Ocean tides T2, S2, K2, P1, K1, and phi 1 are measured, along with the core mantle resonance at the K1 frequency, as predicted by Poincare, Molodensky and Wahr. The semi-annual body tide deformation is measured. The radiation pressure area to mass ratio for the three satellites is also measured. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 1981
Accession Number
ADA099018

Entities

People

  • E. M. Gaposchkin

Organizations

  • Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Beyond Visual Range Missiles
  • Department Of Veterans Affairs
  • Frequency
  • Geological Phenomena
  • Laser Tracking
  • Measurement
  • Ocean Tides
  • Perturbations
  • Plastic Explosives
  • Radiation
  • Radiation Pressure
  • Solar Radiation
  • Three Dimensional

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science
  • Physics

Readers

  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris