AAS 96-185

PRECISION ORBIT DETERMINATION FOR GFO AND GFO-2

K. Irish, K. Gold, G. H. Born, R. Markin, and P. Axelrad, The University of Colorado

Abstract

GFO (GEOSAT Follow On) and GFO-2 are altimeter missions that will need highly accurate radial orbits to make use of their scientific data. Several orbit configurations have been considered for the missions. An orbit accuracy study using simulation and the Reduced Dynamic Technique was completed with JPL's GIPSY-OASIS II. In the study, realistic error sources were analyzed for their effect on the GFO satellite in both the GEOSAT EXACT REPEAT ORBIT and the TOPEX orbit. The results of the study show that, using 13 ground stations, a radial accuracy of 3.0 cm may be achieved in the GERO orbit and an accuracy of 1.8 cm may be achieved in the higher TOPEX orbit.