The role of GPS in precise earth observationThe potential of the Global Positioning System (GPS) for precise earth observation is evaluated. It is projected that soon GPS will be utilized to track remote-sensing satellites with subdecimeter accuracy. The first will be Topex/Poseidon, a US/French ocean altimetry mission to be launched in 1991. In addition, it is suggested that developments planned for future platforms may push orbit accuracy near 1 cm within a decade. GPS receivers on some platforms will track the signals down to the earth limb to observe occultation by intervening media. This will provide comprehensive information on global temperature and climate and help detect the possible onset of a greenhouse effect. It is also projected that dual-frequency observations will be used to trace the flow of energy across earth systems through detection of ionospheric gravity waves, and to map the structure of the ionosphere by computer tomography.
Document ID
19890039349
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Yunck, Thomas P. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Lindal, Gunnar F. (California Institute of Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, United States)
Liu, Chao-Han (Illinois, University Urbana, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1988
Subject Category
Space Communications, Spacecraft Communications, Command And Tracking
Meeting Information
Meeting: PLANS ''88 - IEEE Position Location and Navigation Symposium