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Evaluation of the geocentric gravitational constant from Viking Doppler and range dataDuring the launch and near-earth phase, continuous radio tracking data were acquired from two Viking spacecraft as they receded from earth. Analysis of this data yielded these values for the geocentric gravitational constant GM: 398600.5 + or - 0.1 cu km/sec per sec for Viking 1 and 398600.65 + or - 0.2 cu km/sec per sec for Viking 2. These values include the atmosphere of the earth and are consistent with the currently adopted speed of light (299792.458 km/sec.).
Document ID
19790060386
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Esposito, P. B.
(California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
July 10, 1979
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 84
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
79A44399
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS7-100
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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