Comments on the accuracy of Baker-Nunn observations

Many factors influence the accuracy with which the satellite positions may be derived from Baker-Nunn observations. Some of these factors are more important than others. In an accuracy study of satellite tracking methods there are invariably two distinct aspects to be investigated: the accuracy with which the satellite position can be referred to the reference system used - the stellar framework in the case of the optical observations, and the accuracy of the instant of observation. It is generally desirable to keep time as an independent variable so that any uncertainty in measuring the time of observation will be reflected in the positional accuracy.