A first-order theory of satellite orbit determination using time-difference data is developed for the case of a synchronous, equatorial spacecraft. Also, a first order error analysis is presented that permits one to estimate how errors in assumed or measured quantities affect the values of the derived orbital parameters. The theory is applied to observational data obtained during a series of VLBI (Very-Long-Baseline Interferometry) experiments conducted between stations at Rosman, North Carolina, and Mojave, California, using the ATS-3 satellite as a radio source. Orbit parameters derived from the VLBI data show good agreement with those determined by the ATS project office using more conventional tracking techniques.
VLBI determination of synchronous equatorial satellite orbits.
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and American Astronautical Society, Astrodynamics Conference, Palo Alto
1972-09-01
Conference paper
No indication
English
Uninterrupted Satellite Communications in Non-Equatorial Orbits
British Library Conference Proceedings | 2000
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