Performance of NASA laser ranging systems during MERIT

The performances of the NASA satellite laser ranging (SLR) systems operating during the 1983-1984 MERIT campaign (SAO 1-2, Moblas 1-8, Hollas, MLRS, TLRS 1-2, and NLRS) are compared. Data for the single shot rms precisions and ranges per pass are given for these systems after most of them were upgraded with Quantel lasers. The Moblas 4-8 and the Hollas systems operated with high signal strength returns; single shot rms precisions of 3.5 to 4 cm and average ranges per pass of 2404 to 2606 points were achieved as compared with the values of 7.5 and 756, respectively, for the TLRS-2 system. In addition to the SLR systems, the NASA lunar laser ranging systems (McDonald 2.7M, MLRS, and NLRS) and their capabilities are discussed together with the history of the lunar laser ranging data quality.