http://worldcat.org/entity/work/id/137097531

Datum and/or station location from ballistic camera observations on satellites

The results of a study to determine the accuracy with which datums can be positioned relative to the geocenter from ballistic camera observations on a satellite are presented herein. The study utilizes simulated observations on a postulated satellite borne optical beacon. The satellite is taken to be in a 400 nm, low eccentricity orbit. Recommendations are made for maximum utilization of such a satellite for geometric geodetic purposes (i.e., datum and/or station location.) Conclusions are that a three-dimensional uncertainty of five to ten meters can be achieved utilizing the short arc technique (an arc of 4000 to 5000 miles.) It is felt that long arc reductions for geometric purposes with ballistic camera observations only, are operationally impractical and although theoretically attractive, should be dismissed as having any major potential in a geodetic satellite program. (Author).

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