Satellite laser ranging to GPS and GLONASS

• DOI: 10.1007/s00190-015-0810-8
• Publication Date: 2015-04-11T00:34:50Z
• Authors: Krzysztof Sośnica; Daniela Thaller; Rolf Dach; Peter Steigenberger; Gerhard Beutler; Daniel Arnold; Adrian Jäggi
• Keywords: Satellite laser ranging; GLONASS; Retroreflector

Satellite laser ranging (SLR) to the satellites of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) provides substantial and valuable information about accuracy quality GNSS orbits allows for SLR-GNSS co-location in space. In framework NAVSTAR-SLR experiment two GPS Block-IIA were equipped with retroreflector arrays (LRAs), whereas all GLONASS system are LRAs an operational mode. We summarize outcome by processing 20 years SLR observations 12 using reprocessed microwave provided center orbit determination Europe (CODE). The dependency residuals on size, shape, number corner cubes is studied. show that mean RMS depend coating block or type satellites. also a function equipment used at stations including single-photon multi-photon detection modes. important validate assess deficiencies solar radiation pressure models. found signature effect, which defined as spread optical pulse signals due reflection from multiple reflectors, causes variations up 15 mm between nadir angles 0 $$^{\circ }$$ 14 . case stations. For this effect does not exceed 1 mm. When new empirical CODE model (ECOM), residual falls into range 0.1–1.8 high-performing observing GLONASS-M uncoated cubes. best-performing $$-12.2$$ $$-25.6$$ effect.