Tracking experiments with OTS using the MITREX modem

The satellite OTS-2, ESA's first communication satellite, has now been in orbit for more than six years. After completion of its operational service period with Eutelsat, OTS was released at the end of 1983 for an end-of-service test program, including limited payload tests and subsystem performance tests. In the context of these tests, various ranging activities were conducted on OTS. In connection with these investigations, the Microwave Time and Ranging Experiment (MITREX) modem was employed. Attention is given to the design and performance of the MITREX modem, the MITREX ranging experiments with OTS, the interference tests, slant range measurements, aspects of three station ranging, synchronous orbit determination, orbit control for clusters and rendezvous, and the use of MITREX with communication satellites.