Orbit determination accuracies using satellite-to-satellite tracking

Abstract

The results of the ATS-6/GEOS-3 and the ATS-6/NIMBUS-6 satellite-to-satellite tracking orbit determination experiments are reported. The tracking systems used in these experiments differ from the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS), primarily in the use of one rather than two synchronous relay satellites. However, the simulations mentioned indicate that the insights gained from the experiments with regard to proper data reduction techniques and expected results are applicable to the TDRSS.