Citation
Abstract
Data from the Global Positioning System (GPS) have been used to determine precise polar motion estimates. Conservatively calculated formal errors of the GPS least-squares solution are approximately 10 cm. The GPS estimates agree with independently determined polar motion values from very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) at the 5-cm level. The data were obtained from a partial constellation of GPS satellites and from a sparse worldwide distribution of ground stations. The accuracy of the GPS estimates should continue to improve as more satellites and ground receivers become operational, and eventually a near-real-time GPS capability should be available. Because the GPS data are obtained and processed independently from the Jarge radio antennas at the Deep Space Network (DSN), GPS estimation could provide very precise measurements of Earth orientation for calibration of deep space tracking data and could significantly relieve the ever-growing burden on the DSN radio telescopes to provide Earth platform calibrations.
Details
- Volume
- 42-104
- Published
- February 15, 1991
- Pages
- 1–8
- File Size
- 436.1 KB