Prediction of the effects of unadjusted parameters on orbital and geodynamical estimates

The development of a parameter sensitivity analysis technique for use with both the batch and extended sequential estimators is described. Parameter sensitivity analysis as applied to orbit determination and tracking station coordinate estimates provides greater confidence in state vector estimates, allows for more detailed error analysis and is accomplished using only a single processing run. The parameter sensitivity analysis equations presented are general in nature and may be applied to study errors in such geodynamic parameters as tracking station coordinates, geopotential coefficients and the gravitational constant. To demonstrate the use of this sensitivity analysis technique primary emphasis was placed on studying the tracking station coordinates and in particular the effects caused by offset errors in the latitude of one of the tracking stations. Laser range observations of the Beacon Explorer-C satellite taken from two tracking stations were utilized in this study.