Multi-station lunar laser ranging - An analysis of data quality and earth rotation resultsThe lunar laser ranging (LLR) results obtained from the MERIT period (Sept. 1983 through Oct. 1984) as well as from the post-MERIT period (Nov. 1, 1984 through Aug. 12, 1985) are presented. The ranging targets on the moon include the Apollo 11, 14, and 15 reflectors and a reflector on Lunokhod 2; the LLR network includes McDonald, Texas; CERGA, France; Haleakala, Hawaii; Orroral, Australia; and Crimea, USSR, stations. Data acquired with these systems are reported, and the data quality is assessed, with particular emphasis on recent ranges. During the MERIT period, sixty-five earth rotation values (UTO) were derived from LLR data, with the best accuracy being 0.25 msec; during the post-MERIT period, 115 determinations of UTO were calculated with the best inherent accuracy of about 0.1 msec. The results are compared with those from other techniques.
Document ID
19870048870
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Dickey, J. O. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Newhall, X. X. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Williams, J. G. (California Institute of Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, United States)