Numerical experiments on the estimation of relative station positions using single passes of LAGEOS and STARLETTE laser range observations

A semigeometric data reduction mode, in which relative station positions are determined from a number of single satellite passes where the stations track the satellite almost simultaneously was assessed for use in satellite observation of tectonic movement. One European, and two American networks were used. For each network the coordinates of 4 out of the 5 stations were determined, while the coordinates of a base station were held fixed at the University of Texas UT 8112.2 solution. Comparing the station coordinate solutions with the Texas solution shows that coordinate errors of many meters are possible. The most accurate interstation baselines are obtained for the network in which at least four stations track LAGEOS simultaneously. Taking into account that most of the adjusted baselines show relatively large formal standard deviations, no significant deviation from the Texas baselines solution is found.