Analysis of systematic errors in systems of selenodetic coordinates

A selenodetic network, the Apollo system, was developed on the basis of orbital surveys made from the Apollo spacecraft. It is presently the best dynamic selenocentric coordinate system. The random errors in coordinates of control points in this independent system are 2 to 3 times fewer than the random errors of coordinates of points in systems (catalogues) prepared by traditional surface telescopic methods. The Apollo system is used as a basis for studying the selenodetic coordinates and for detecting the systematic errors which may be present in them. The three best selenodetic catalogues were investigated: D. W. Arthur, COMMUN. LUNAR AND PLANETARY LABOR., Vol 7, Part 5, No 130, pp 303-312, 1968; D. L. Meyer, et al., ICARUS, Vol 4, No 5, 6, pp 513-530, 1965; M. Moutsoulas, MOON, Vol 5, pp 302-331, 1972. The analysis presented reveals that there are no systematic errors other than those caused by noncoincidence of the coordinate systems.