| Date: | 2007-06-14 00:29:00 | |
| Sender: | Rolf Koenig, GFZ <Dr. Rolf Koenig <rolf.koenig@gfz-potsdam.de>> | |
| Subject: | [SLR-Mail] No. 1555: TerraSAR-X Launch and Nominal Orbit Predictions | |
| Author: | Rolf Koenig, GFZ | |
| Content: | ******************************************************************************** SLR Electronic Mail 2007-06-14 00:29:00 UTC Message No. 1555 ******************************************************************************** Author: Rolf Koenig, GFZ Subject: TerraSAR-X Launch and Nominal Orbit Predictions Dear colleagues, please be informed that TerraSAR-X (TSX) is scheduled for launch on June 15 at 04:14 (CEST) from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. TSX carries the scientific TOR instrumentation provided by the GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam (GFZ) and the Center for Space Research (CSR) at the University of Texas at Austin. TOR PIs are Markus Rothacher and Byron D. Tapley. See more informations on http://terrasar-x.gfz-potsdam.de and on the ILRS web site. The TOR consists of a dual frequency GPS receiver and a Laser retro-reflector, both of CHAMP and GRACE type. GFZ has provided initial orbit predictions to the CDDIS and EDC data bases: terrasarx_cpf_070615_6661.gfz terrasarx_irvs_070615_0.gfz terrasarx_drag_070615_0.gfz terrasarx_sao_070615_0.gfz terrasarx_tle_070615_0.gfz The ILRS COSPAR type number has been preliminary set to 0700101, the SIC number for the IRVs to 6201. We are eagerly awaiting the first shot station after launch, good luck for tracking. There are some particular points in tracking TSX. The satellite is operated in a few cases in the so-called left looking mode, for that the satellite is turned in roll by -67.6 degrees. That may hinder some laser returns, we will distribute via SLRMail those mission phases in advance. There is also an additional experiment on board named Laser Communication Terminal (LCT). It might happen that e.g. the Graz station had to refrain from tracking during some limited period. We will contact dedicated stations as needed at time. TSX will be kept in a quite narrow trajectory tube. For that, manoeuvres will be carried out driven by an automated orbit recovery and prediction system within the ground segment. Manouvres are planned in 12-hour cycles, meaning there is hardly time to alert the stations of upcoming manouvres via standard email channels. The manouvres however are small and they are considered in the CPF predictions which will also be generated on a 12-hour basis. It is therefore strongly recommended to the stations to fully migrate from the IRVs to the CPFs. This particular because the IRVs can solely be provided for the days to come. It might therefore happen that the current day IRV does not have the upcoming manoeuver considered. We also like to not deliver IRVs directly via email to some stations used to this service for CHAMP and GRACE. Those stations still needing direct IRV delivery for TSX should contact us. Best regards Rolf Koenig From: ”Dr. Rolf Koenig” ******************************************************************************** |