Cosmic background explorer (COBE) navigation with TDRSS one-way return-link Doppler in the post-helium-venting phase

A navigation experiment was performed which establishes Ultra-Stable Oscillator (USO) frequency stabilized one way return link Doppler TDRSS tracking data as a feasible option for mission orbit determination support at the Goddard Space Center Flight Dynamics Facility. The study was conducted using both one way and two way Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) tracking measurements for the Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) spacecraft. Tracking data for a 4 week period immediately follow the depletion of the helium supply was used. The study showed that, for both definitive orbit solution and short term orbit prediction (up to 4 weeks), orbit determination results based on one way return link Doppler tracking measurements are comparable to orbit determination results based on two way range and two way Doppler tracking measurements.