Subject: [SLR-Mail] No. 405: Continued GFO-1 Tracking From: Mike Pearlman, Secretary, ILRS Central Bureau <###FROM###> ******************************************************************************** SLR Electronic Mail 1999-08-17 08:13:00 UTC Message No. 405 ******************************************************************************** Author: Mike Pearlman, Secretary, ILRS Central Bureau Subject: Continued GFO-1 Tracking for ; Mon, 16 Aug 1999 18:52:12 -0400 (EDT) Dear Colleague: The ILRS Governing Board has approved a continuation of SLR Tracking on GFO-1 through November 30. The approval is in response to a request by Frank Lemoine, supported by John Ries and C. K. Shum. The request is based on the following: 1. The GFO-1 altimeter is in its calibration and evaluation phase. The satellite altimeter is on and collecting data. The data are being analyzed by NOAA, Ohio State, Univ. of Texas,NASA/Wallops, Penn State. The data appear good (see message below) 2. They believe they are moving in the direction of declaring the satellite operational with SLR+Doppler being the primary POD method. 3. The satellite still experiences resets; one occurred on June 26, and again on July 10. But the are now less frequent and they continue to work the problem. 4. Frank spoke with Len Andreozzi of Ball Aerospace. They will begin uploading software changes to the GPS receivers. These changes are designed to make the GPS receivers operational- although it will be several months before we know whether that is successful. *If* the GPS software uploads are successful, after a calibration phase the SLR can revert to its planned backup support role for GFO-1. ATSC will continue generating predictions through November 30 to support this mission. At that point we will reevaluate the program. In the meantime we will monitor the progress on GFO-1 and keep you appraised of any dramatic changes in its status. Regards, Mike ********************************************************************************