Abstract:
In Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR), a short pulse of coherent light generated by a laser (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) is transmitted in a narrow beam to illuminate corner cube retroreflectors on the satellite. The return signal, typically a few photons, is collected by a telescope and the time-of-flight is measured. Using information about the satellite's orbit, the time-of-flight, and the speed of light, the location of the ranging station can be determined. Similar data acquired by another station, many kilometers distant from the first, or on a different continent, can be used to determine the distance between stations to precisions of centimeters or better. Repetitive measurements over months and years yield the change in distance, or the motion of the Earth's crust.
Related URL
Link:
GET DATA
Description:
SLR data holdings at CDDIS via ftp
Link:
GET DATA
Description:
CDDIS SLR data summary information
Dataset Originator/Creator:
M. Pearlman, J. Degnan, J. Bosworth
Dataset Title:
The International Laser Ranging Service
Dataset Series Name:
Proceedings of session “New Trends in Space Geodesy” 33rd COSPAR Scientific Assembly
Dataset Release Date:
July 2002
Dataset Release Place:
The Netherlands
Dataset Publisher:
Elsevier Ltd.
Version:
Vol. 30, No. 2, pp. 135-143
Issue Identification:
Advances in Space Research
Data Presentation Form:
33rd COSPAR Scientific Assembly, Warsaw, July 2000
Dataset DOI:
DOI: 10.1016/S0273-1177(02)00277-6
Online Resource:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6V3S-46K7...
Cite the ILRS: Pearlman, M.R., Degnan, J.J., and Bosworth, J.M., "The International Laser Ranging Service", Advances in Space Research, Vol. 30, No. 2, pp. 135-143, July 2002, DOI:10.1016/S0273-1177(02)00277-6.
Name:
CAREY
NOLL Phone:
301-614-6542
Fax:
301-614-6015
Email:
Carey.E.Noll at nasa.gov
Contact Address:
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Code 690 City:
Greenbelt
Province or State:
MD
Postal Code:
20771
Country:
USA
CAREY
NOLL Role:
TECHNICAL CONTACT
Phone:
301-614-6542
Fax:
301-614-6015
Email:
Carey.E.Noll at nasa.gov
Contact Address:
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Code 690 City:
Greenbelt
Province or State:
MD
Postal Code:
20771
Country:
USA
Publications/References
Pearlman, M.R., Degnan, J.J., and Bosworth, J.M., "The International Laser Ranging Service", Advances in Space Research, Vol. 30, No. 2, pp. 135-143, July 2002, DOI:10.1016/S0273-1177(02)00277-6.
