| Date: | 1999-03-05 07:39:00 | |
| Sender: | John J. Degnan <[Mailed John Degnan <jjd@ltpmail.gsfc.nasa.gov>]> | |
| Subject: | [SLR-Mail] No. 263: Reduced SLR data from GFO | |
| Author: | John J. Degnan | |
| Content: | ******************************************************************************** SLR Electronic Mail 1999-03-05 07:39:00 UTC Message No. 263 ******************************************************************************** Author: John J. Degnan Subject: Reduced SLR data from GFO mparke@geodesy.eng.ohio-state.edu (Dr. Mike Parke), johnl@harpo.grdl.noaa.gov (John Lillibridge), ckshum@osu.edu (C.K. Shum), blahaj@navo.navy.mil (Dr. John Blaha) To all ILRS Tracking Stations: It has come to my attention that SLR tracking of the GFO-1 satellite (#2 on the ILRS tracking priority list)has fallen off substantially since May 1998. The following compilation of GFO passes was provided by Van Husson: Month passes ------ ------ May 98 368 Jun 98 288 Jul 98 241 Aug 98 181 Sep 98 292 Oct 98 143 Nov 98 67 Dec 98 130 Jan 98 137 Feb 98 133 Although some of this falloff can be attributed to our usual poor winter weather in the Northern Hemisphere, there apparently also has been poor communications between the Mission sponsors and the network with regard to spacecraft maneuvers and special testing orientations. I have asked the Mission Sponsors to keep us informed in a timely manner when such things are planned in the future. I am also told that the onboard GPS receivers are still not working but there is still some hope that #4 can eventually be activated. The computer reset problem has been largely overcome (no resets for the past 35 days) and the altimeter is fully operational. I would therefore ask each of the ILRS stations to increase their tracking of the GFO-1 satellite to the best of their ability. Thank you for your cooperation in supporting this important remote sensing mission. Sincerely, John Degnan Chairperson, ILRS Governing Board [Mailed From: John Degnan ******************************************************************************** |