Precise orbit determination of a geosynchronous satellite by ΔVLBI method.
Abstract
An experiment carried out to track the geosynchronous Japanese Communications Satellite for Experimental Purposes (CS) by Delta VLBI method is described. A baseline of 46 km length north-south was used, along with seven quasars as reference natural radio sources. The Delta VLBI method, the observational sensitivity of the VLBI with respect to the CS, and the experimental system are described. The errors due to system noises of the receiving systems and other sources are analyzed, and the data reduction methods and the results are presented. Differential ranges are obtained with 60 cm accuracy. Analysis of the accuracy of the orbit determination and of simulation studies demonstrates the usefulness of the Delta VLBI method for highly accurate orbit determination of a geosynchronous satellite.
- Publication:
-
Radio Research Laboratory, Journal
- Pub Date:
- July 1984
- Bibcode:
- 1984RaRLJ..31..111S
- Keywords:
-
- Microwave Transmission;
- Orbit Calculation;
- Satellite Orbits;
- Synchronous Satellites;
- Very Long Base Interferometry;
- Beacon Satellites;
- Communication Satellites;
- Covariance;
- Data Reduction;
- Real Time Operation;
- Space Communications, Spacecraft Communications, Command and Tracking;
- Artificial Satellites:Orbit Determination;
- Orbit Determination:Artificial Satellites