Site Log - Hartebeesthoek, South Africa (7501)
ILRS Site and System Information Form
International Laser Ranging Service
0. Form
Prepared by (Full Name) : Roelf Botha
Preparer E-mail : roelf@hartrao.ac.za
Date Prepared : 2021-09-27
Report Type : UPDATE
Site Log Format Version : 2.0
Site Log Revision : 1
1. Identification of the Ranging System Reference Point (SRP)
Site Name : Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory
IERS DOMES Number : 30302M003
CDP Pad ID : 7501
Subnetwork : NASA
Description : MONUMENT
Monument Description : PILLAR
Monument Inscription : None
Mark Description : Bullseye
Date Installed : 1993-07-12
Date Removed :
Geologic Characteristic : Andesite
Additional Information : monument is a brass marker with a stainless
: steel plate around the marker
2. Site Location Information
City or Town : Johannesburg
State or Province : Gauteng
Country : South Africa
Tectonic Plate : African
Local Time (UTC +/- hours) :
Approximate Position
X coordinate [m]: 5085401.135
Y coordinate [m]: 2668330.108
Z coordinate [m]: -2768688.865
Latitude [deg]: 25.8897 S
Longitude [deg]: 27.6861 E
Elevation [m]: 1406.822
Survey Method :
Date Measured :
Additional Information :
3. General System Information
3.01 System Name : Moblas-6
4-Character Code : HARL
CDP System Number : 06
CDP Occupation Number : 02
Eccentricity to SRP (if Not Identical With SRP)
North [m]: -0.004 +- 0.001
East [m]: -0.007 +- 0.001
Up [m]: 3.227 +- 0.001
Date Measured : 2014-03-01
Date Installed : 2000-06-09
Date Removed :
Additional Information : Previously occupied by MTLRS
:
: The eccentricities in this section may not
: be current and may not contain the entire
: history. The official set of site
: eccentricities are maintained in the
: following two SINEX data bases at:
:
: https://cddis.nasa.gov/archive/
: slr/slrocc/ecc_xyz.snx
:
: and
:
: https://cddis.nasa.gov/archive/
: slr/slrocc/ecc_une.snx
4. Telescope Information
4.01 Receiving Telescope Type : Cassegrain
Aperture [m]: 0.762
Mount : AZ-EL
Date Installed :
Date Removed :
Xmitting Telescope Type : Refractor
Aperture [m]: 0.163
Date Installed :
Date Removed :
Tracking Camera Type : NONE
Model :
Manufacturer :
Field of View [deg]:
Minimum Magnitude [mag]:
Date Installed :
Date Removed :
Transmit/Receive Path : SEPARATE
Transmit/Receive Switch : NONE
Max Slew Rate Az [deg/s]: 20
Max Slew Rate El [deg/s]: 5
Max Used Tracking Rate Az : 5
Max Used Tracking Rate El : 3
Telescope Shelter : ROLL-BACK ROOF
Daylight Filter Type : Omega optical 532NB1 9114
Dayl. Filt. Bandwidth [nm]: 100
Adjustable Attenuation : RECEIVE
Adjustable Field of View :
Transmit Efficiency : 0.94
Receive Efficiency : 0.76
Date Installed : 2000-06-09
Date Removed :
Additional Information :
5. Laser System Information
5.01 Laser Type : ND:YAG
Model :
Manufacturer :
Number of Amplifiers : 1
Primary Wavelength [nm]: 1064nm
Primary Maximum Energy [mJ]: 200
Secondary Wavelength [nm]: 532.1
Secondary Max. Energy [mJ]: 100
Xmit Energy Adjustable : YES
Additional Information :
Pulse Width (FWHM) [ps]: 200
Max. Repetition Rate [Hz]: 10
Fullw. Beam Divergence ["]: 30
Theoretical Beam Div :
Measured Beam Div :
Method Used :
Additional Information :
Final Beam Diameter [m]: 0.093
Eyesafe : NO
Eyesafe Standard : ANSI 136.1
Polarization on Exit :
Laser Fire Control :
Laser Energy Monitor :
Start Diode Type :
Manufactorer :
Model :
Quantum Efficiency [%]:
Rise/Fall Time [ps]:
Date Installed :
Date Removed :
Signal Processing :
Manufacturer :
Model :
Date Installed :
Date Removed :
Additional Information :
Date Installed : 2000-06-09
Date Removed :
Additional Information : 1) Receive equipment upgraded to 10Hz for LRO
: support
: 2) Saturable laser upgrade 2008-10-07
: 3) Laser table replaced 2011-03-23
: 4) SHG stability 2018-05-04
6. Receiver System
6.01.01 Primary Chain
Wavelength [nm]: 532
Detector Type : MCP
Manufacturer : ITT
Model : F4129F
Quantum Efficiency [%]: 17.7
Nominal Gain : 1e06
Rise Time [ps]: 350
Jitter (Single PE)[ps]: 100
Field of View Diam ["]: 360
Date Installed : 2000-06-09
Date Removed : 2007-09-DD
Amplifier Type :
Manufacturer :
Model :
Gain :
Bandwidth :
Date Installed :
Date Removed :
Additional Information:
Signal Processing : CFD
Manufacturer : Tennelec
Model : TC454
Date Installed : 2000-06-09
Date Removed :
Amplitude Measurement : YES
Return-Rate Controlled: YES
Mode of Operation : Few to Multi Photons
Additional Information:
Time of Flight Observ. : INTERVAL
Manufacturer : Hewlett-Packard
Model : 5370B
Resolution [ps]: 20
Precision [ps]: 35
Date Installed : 2000-06-09
Date Removed :
Additional Information :
6.01.02 Primary Chain
Wavelength [nm]: 532
Detector Type : PMT
Manufacturer : Photek
Model : PMT-318
Quantum Efficiency [%]: 13
Nominal Gain : 1e07
Rise Time [ps]: 350
Jitter (Single PE)[ps]: 100
Field of View Diam ["]: 360
Date Installed : 2007-09-24
Date Removed :
Amplifier Type :
Manufacturer :
Model :
Gain :
Bandwidth :
Date Installed :
Date Removed :
Additional Information:
Signal Processing : CFD
Manufacturer : Tennelec
Model : TC454
Date Installed : 2000-06-09
Date Removed :
Amplitude Measurement : YES
Return-Rate Controlled: YES
Mode of Operation : Few to Multi Photons
Additional Information:
Time of Flight Observ. : INTERNAL
Manufacturer : Hewlett-Packard
Model : 5370B
Resolution [ps]: 20
Precision [ps]: 35
Date Installed : 2000-06-09
Date Removed : 2017-11-29
Additional Information :
6.01.03 Primary Chain
Wavelength [nm]: 532
Detector Type : PMT
Manufacturer : Photek
Model : PMT-318
Quantum Efficiency [%]: 13.3
Nominal Gain : 1e6
Rise Time [ps]: 250
Jitter (Single PE)[ps]: 100
Field of View Diam ["]: 6 - 360
Date Installed : 2007-09-24
Date Removed :
Amplifier Type :
Manufacturer :
Model :
Gain :
Bandwidth :
Date Installed :
Date Removed :
Additional Information:
Signal Processing : CFD
Manufacturer : Tennelec
Model : TC454
Date Installed : 2000-06-09
Date Removed :
Amplitude Measurement : YES
Return-Rate Controlled: YES
Mode of Operation : Single to Multiple Photoelectrons
Additional Information:
Time of Flight Observ. : Epoch
Manufacturer : Cybioms
Model : cybi_ETM-02
Resolution [ps]: 1
Precision [ps]: 3
Date Installed : 2017-11-29
Date Removed :
Additional Information : The HP5370B is no longer primary as of
: 2017-11-29, its data is not sent to the
: SLR data centers.
: Replaced PMT power and receive cables
: 2018-04-08
6.02.01 Secondary Chain
Wavelength [nm]: 532
Detector Type : MCP
Manufacturer : ITT
Model : F4129F
Quantum Efficiency [%]: 17.7
Nominal Gain : 1e6
Rise Time [ps]: 350
Jitter (Single PE)[ps]: 100
Field of View Diam ["]: 360
Date Installed : 1986-03-31
Date Removed : 2007-09-DD
Amplifier Type :
Manufacturer :
Model :
Gain :
Bandwidth :
Date Installed :
Date Removed :
Additional Information:
Signal Processing : CFD
Manufacturer : Tennelec
Model : TC454
Date Installed : 2000-06-09
Date Removed :
Amplitude Measurement : YES
Return-Rate Controlled: YES
Mode of Operation : Single to Multi Photons
Additional Information:
Time of Flight Observ. : INTERVAL
Manufacturer : Hewlett-Packard
Model : 5370B
Resolution [ps]: 20
Precision [ps]: 35
Date Installed : 2000-06-09
Date Removed :
Additional Information : High sensitivity laser receiver conf.
: Everything is the same as the primary
: chain except the discriminator
: threshold has been lowered to accept
: single photons and the signal is
: amplified with 24 dB of gain
6.02.02 Secondary Chain
Wavelength [nm]: 532
Detector Type : PMT
Manufacturer : Photek
Model : PMT-318
Quantum Efficiency [%]: 13
Nominal Gain : 17
Rise Time [ps]: 350
Jitter (Single PE)[ps]: 100
Field of View Diam ["]: 360
Date Installed : 2007-09-24
Date Removed :
Amplifier Type :
Manufacturer :
Model :
Gain :
Bandwidth :
Date Installed :
Date Removed :
Additional Information:
Signal Processing : CFD
Manufacturer : Tennelec
Model : TC454
Date Installed : 2000-06-09
Date Removed :
Amplitude Measurement : YES
Return-Rate Controlled: YES
Mode of Operation : Few to Multi Photons
Additional Information:
Time of Flight Observ. : INTERNAL
Manufacturer : Hewlett-Packard
Model : 5370B
Resolution [ps]: 20
Precision [ps]: 35
Date Installed : 2000-06-09
Date Removed :
Additional Information : High sensitivity laser receiver
: configuration.
: Everything is the same as the primary chain
: except the discriminator threshold has been
: lowered to accept single photons and the
: signal is amplified with 24 dB of gain
6.03.01 Tertiary Chain
Wavelength [nm]:
Detector Type :
Manufacturer :
Model :
Quantum Efficiency [%]:
Nominal Gain :
Rise Time [ps]:
Jitter (Single PE)[ps]:
Field of View Diam ["]:
Date Installed :
Date Removed :
Amplifier Type :
Manufacturer :
Model :
Gain :
Bandwidth :
Date Installed :
Date Removed :
Additional Information:
Signal Processing :
Manufacturer :
Model :
Date Installed :
Date Removed :
Amplitude Measurement :
Return-Rate Controlled:
Mode of Operation :
Additional Information:
Time of Flight Observ. :
Manufacturer :
Model :
Resolution [ps]:
Precision [ps]:
Date Installed :
Date Removed :
Additional Information :
7. Tracking Capabilities
7.01 Satellites
Very Low Alt (<400 km) : YES
Low Altitude (400-2000) : YES
LAGEOS/LARES : YES
GLONASS : YES
Etalon : NIGHT
GNSS : NIGHT
Geosynchronous :
Moon : NO
Ave. Pass Switch Time [s]: 60
Average values for LAGEOS
Single Shot RMS [mm]: 10
# of Obs per NP : 200
Use of Semi-trains : NO
# of Semi-train Tracks : N.A.
Range Gate Width [ns]: 2000
Beam Pointing Accuracy ["]: 0.6
Angle Encoder Resolution["]: 0.6
Min. Tracking Elev. [deg]: 20
Laser Polarization @emitter:
Operation
Months per Year : 12
Days per Week : 7
Hours per Day : 24
Staff per Shift : 1
System Shared With : none
Time Allocated to SLR [%]: 100
Remotely Controllable : NO
Tracking Restrictions
Go/No-go flag :
Satellite Verification :
Date Verified :
Maximum elevation :
Satellite Verification :
Date Verified :
Pass segments :
Satellite Verification :
Date Verified :
Schedule segments :
Satellite Verification :
Date Verified :
Maximum laser power limit:
Satellite Verification :
Date Verified :
Date First Applicable : 2000-06-09 00:00 UT
Date Last Applicable :
Additional Information : On 2002-06-09 went from
: 5 days a week to 7 days
: a week operation. Staff
: per shift was reduced from 2
: to 1 at this time. Saturdays and
: Sundays 16 hours operation.
8. Calibration
8.01 Calibration Type : PRE+POST
Target Location : EXTERNAL
Target Type : CORNER CUBE
Target Structure : CONCRETE PIER
Number of Targets :
Target Distance(s) [m]: 198
Date Measured : 2000-08-07
Accuracy [mm]: 2
Verification : multi-target ranging
Return-Rate Controlled : NO
Eye-Safe Method :
Additional Information :
Mode of Operation : MULTI PHOTON
Calibration performed : 5
Single Shot RMS [mm]: 5
Edit Criterion 1st Chain : ITERATIVE 3.0 SIGMA
Edit Criterion 2nd Chain : N.A.
Application of Cal Data : AVERAGE
Date Installed :
Date Removed :
Additional Information :
9. Time and Frequency Standards
9.01.01 Frequency Standard Type : Rubidium disciplined by GPS
Model : XL-DC 151-358-108-2
Manufacturer : Symmetricom (TrueTime)
Short Term Stab. [e-12]: 10
Long Term Stab. [e-12]: 3
Time Reference : GPS
Synchronization : GPS
Epoch Accuracy [ns]: 100
Date Installed : 2000-06-09
Date Removed :
Additional Information : This Truetime model contains the
: Stanford PRS10 Rubidium Frequency
: Standard
9.01.02 Frequency Standard Type : Rubidium disciplined by GPS
Model : XL-DC 151-358-108-2
Manufacturer : Symmetricom (TrueTime)
Short Term Stab. [e-12]: 10
Long Term Stab. [e-12]: 3
Time Reference : GPS
Synchronization : GPS
Epoch Accuracy [ns]: 100
Date Installed : 2000-06-09
Date Removed : 2017-11-03
Additional Information : This Truetime model contains the
: Stanford PRS10 Rubidium Frequency
: Standard
9.01.03 Frequency Standard Type : Rubidium disciplined by GPS
Model : XL-DC Model 151-358-108-2 S/N: 00214843
Manufacturer : Symmetricom (TrueTime)
Short Term Stab. [e-12]: 10
Long Term Stab. [e-12]: 3
Time Reference : GPS
Synchronization : GPS
Epoch Accuracy [ns]: 100
Date Installed : 2017-11-03
Date Removed :
Additional Information : This Truetime model contains the
: Stanford PRS10 Rubidium Frequency
: Standard
9.02.01 GNSS Timing Rcvr Model : XL-DC 151-358-108-2
Manufacturer : Symmetricom (TrueTime)
Date Installed : 2000-06-09
Date Removed :
Additional Information : CNS clock used for comparisons
9.03.01 One-way System Calibration
Date performed :
Direction Calibrated :
Additional Information :
10. Preprocessing Information
10.01 On-site NP Generation : NO
Data Screening : IRV+POLYNOMIAL
Return-Rate Rejection :
Edit Criterion 1st Chain : ITERATIVE 3.0 SIGMA
Edit Criterion 2nd Chain : N.A.
Upload interval : HOURLY
Date First Applicable : 2000-06-09 HH:MM UT
Date Last Applicable : 2002-06-19 HH:MM UT
Additional Information :
10.02 On-site NP Generation : YES
Data Screening : IRV+POLYNOMIAL
Return-Rate Rejection :
Edit Criterion 1st Chain : ITERATIVE 3.0 SIGMA
Edit Criterion 2nd Chain : N.A.
Upload interval : HOURLY
Date First Applicable : 2002-06-19 HH:MM UT
Date Last Applicable :
Additional Information : Generic Normal Point Processing
: System 2.7.4 installed 2002-06-19
: at 06:30 UT
11. Aircraft Detection
11.01 Detection Type : RADAR
Manufacturer/Provider :
Automatic Laser Shutoff :
Alarms Recorded :
Hazard Distance [km]:
Date Installed : 2000-06-09
Date Removed :
Additional Information :
12. Meteorological Instrumentation
12.01.01 Pressure Sensor Model : MET3
Manufacturer : Paroscientific
Recording Interval : PER PULSE
Accuracy [mbar]: 0.1
Height Diff to SRP [m]: 4
Distance from SRP [m]:
Date Installed : 2000-06-09 HH:MM UT
Calibration Interval : YEARLY
Date Removed : 2011-07-28 HH:MM UT
Additional Information : MET3 package replaced on
: 2002-06-13. Barometric data
: taken between 2002-05-13 and
: 2002-06-12 is suspect.
12.01.02 Pressure Sensor Model : MET4
Manufacturer : Paroscientific
Recording Interval : PER PULSE
Accuracy [mbar]: 0.08
Height Diff to SRP [m]: -0.15
Distance from SRP [m]:
Date Installed : 2011-07-28 HH:MM UT
Calibration Interval : biyearly
Date Removed :
Additional Information :
12.02.01 Temp Sensor Model : MET3
Manufacturer : Paroscientific
Recording Interval : PER PULSE
Accuracy [deg C]: 0.5
Date Installed : 2000-06-09 HH:MM UT
Calibration Interval : YEARLY
Date Removed : 2011-07-28 HH:MM UT
Additional Information :
12.02.02 Temp Sensor Model : MET4
Manufacturer : Paroscientific
Recording Interval : EVERY PULSE
Accuracy [deg C]: 0.2
Date Installed : 2011-07-28 HH:MM UT
Calibration Interval : BIYEARLY
Date Removed :
Additional Information :
12.03.01 Humidity Sensor Model : MET3
Manufacturer : Paroscientific
Recording Interval : PER PASS
Accuracy [% rel h]: 2
Date Installed : 2000-06-09 HH:MM UT
Calibration Interval : YEARLY
Date Removed : 2011-07-28 HH:MM UT
Additional Information : (multiple lines)
12.03.02 Humidity Sensor Model : MET4
Manufacturer : Paroscientific
Recording Interval : PER PASS
Accuracy [% rel h]: 2
Date Installed : 2011-07-28 HH:MM UT
Calibration Interval : BIYEARLY
Date Removed :
Additional Information : (multiple lines)
12.03.03 Humidity Sensor Model : MET4
Manufacturer : Paroscientific
Recording Interval : PER PASS
Accuracy [% rel h]: 2
Date Installed : 2011-07-28 HH:MM UT
Calibration Interval : BIYEARLY
Date Removed : 2015-09-08 HH:MM UT
Additional Information :
12.03.04 Humidity Sensor Model : MET4 S/N:115135
Manufacturer : Paroscientific
Recording Interval : PER PASS
Accuracy [% rel h]: 2
Date Installed : 2015-09-08 HH:MM UT
Calibration Interval : BIYEARLY
Date Removed :
Additional Information : (multiple lines)
: Barometer reference level
: aligned to the level
: of telescope elevation axis
13. Local Ties, Eccentricities, and Collocation Information
13.01 Collocated Permanent Geodetic Systems
13.01.01.01 GNSS : IGS
Date Installed : 1996-09-05
Date Removed :
Additional Info : (multiple lines)
13.01.01.02 GNSS : NO
Date Installed :
Date Removed :
Additional Info :
13.01.02.01 DORIS : IDS
Date Installed : 1988-03-10
Date Removed : 1997-05-23
Additional Info : HBKA
13.01.02.02 DORIS : IDS
Date Installed : 1997-05-30
Date Removed : 2000-08-08
Additional Info : HBLA
13.01.02.03 DORIS : IDS
Date Installed : 2000-08-09
Date Removed :
Additional Info : HBKB
13.01.03.01 PRARE : NO
Date Installed :
Date Removed :
Additional Info :
13.01.04.01 VLBI : YES
Date Installed : 1961-01-01
Date Removed :
Additional Info :
13.01.05.01 Gravimeter : NO
Date Installed :
Date Removed :
Additional Info :
13.01.06.01 Other SLR :
Date Installed :
Date Removed :
Additional Info :
13.02.01.01 Local Ties from the SRP to Other Monuments or Systems on Site
Monument Name : HRAO
Instrumentation Type : GPS
Instrumentation Status : PERMANENT
DOMES Number : 30302M004
CDP Number :
Differential Components (ITRS)
dx [m]: 48.6258 +- 0.0030
dy [m]: -65.5916 +- 0.0014
dz [m]: 42.7988 +- 0.0024
Date Measured : 2003-08-01
Determined by : IGN
Date Installed : 1996-09-05
Date Removed :
Additional Information :
13.03.01.01 Eccentricities Between Other Monuments on Site
From: Monument Name : HRAO
DOMES Number : 30302M004
CDP Number :
To: Monument Name : 7232
DOMES Number : 30302S001
CDP Number : 7232
Differential Components (ITRS)
dx [m]: 90.3001 +- 0.0039
dy [m]: -132.1879 +- 0.0023
dz [m]: 34.6539 +- 0.0044
Date Measured : 2003-08-01
Determined by : IGN
Additional Information :
13.03.02.01 Eccentricities Between Other Monuments on Site
From: Monument Name : HARL
DOMES Number : 30302M003
CDP Number : 7501
To: Monument Name : VLBI
DOMES Number : 30302S001
CDP Number : 7232
Differential Components (ITRS)
dx [m]: 41.680 +- 0.0158
dy [m]: -66.564 +- 0.075
dz [m]: 8.131 +- 0.039
Date Measured : 1996-06-01
Determined by : Ludwig Combrinck
Additional Information :
14. Local Events Possibly Affecting Computed Position
14.01 Date :
Event :
Additional Information :
15. On-Site, Point of Contact Agency Information
Agency : Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory
Mailing Address : P.O. Box 443
: Krugersdorp 1740
: South Africa
Website :
Primary Contact
Contact Name : Roelf Botha
Telephone (primary) : +2712 301 3100
Telephone (secondary) : +2712 301 3226
Fax : +2712 301 3300
E-mail : roelf@hartrao.ac.za
Secondary Contact
Contact Name : Willy Moralo
Telephone (primary) : +2712 301 3100
Telephone (secondary) : +2712 301 3215
Fax : +2712 301 3300
E-mail : willy@hartrao.ac.za
Tertiary Contact
Contact Name :
Telephone (primary) :
Telephone (secondary) :
Fax :
E-mail :
Additional Information :
16. Responsible Agency (if different from 15.)
Agency : NASA
Mailing Address : NASA Goddard, Code 61A
: 8800 Greenbelt Road
: Greenbelt, MD 20771 USA
Primary Contact
Contact Name : Jeffrey Dorman
Telephone (primary) :
Telephone (secondary) :
Fax :
E-mail : jeffrey.l.dorman@nasa.gov
Secondary Contact
Contact Name : Stephen Merkowitz
Telephone (primary) : 301-286-9412
Telephone (secondary) :
Fax :
E-mail : stephen.m.merkowitz@nasa.gov
Additional Information :
17. More Information
URL for More Information : www.hartrao.ac.za
Hardcopy on File
Site Map : NO
Site Diagram : NO
Horizon Mask : NO
Monument Description : NO
Site Pictures : YES
Additional Information :