Accession Number : ADA058591

Title :   Initial Results of the NAVSTAR GPS NTS-2 Satellite

Descriptive Note : Interim rept.

Corporate Author : NAVAL RESEARCH LAB WASHINGTON DC

Personal Author(s) : Easton, Roger L ; Buisson, James A ; McCaskill, Thomas B

PDF Url : ADA058591

Report Date : 25 May 1978

Pagination or Media Count : 26

Abstract : Navigation Technology Satellite 2 (NTS-2) was successfully launched on June 23, 1977, into a near-12-hour circular orbit. Precise frequency and timing signals are derived from the two cesium frequency standards. This report discusses the launch and preliminary results, which include verification of the relativistic clock effect. An international time-transfer experiment is planned, and a worldwide synchronization accuracy of less than 100 nanoseconds is anticipated, based on preliminary time-transfer results between Cape Kennedy and the U.S. Naval Observatory. A proposed NASA laser-tracking network will be used to verify the accuracy of the Global Positioning System (GPS) orbits.

Descriptors :   *GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM, *NAVIGATION SATELLITES, ACCURACY, ATOMIC CLOCKS, CESIUM, CIRCULAR ORBITS, EARTH ORBITS, FREQUENCY STANDARDS, GRAVITY, HYDROGEN, INTERNATIONAL, LASER TRACKING, MASERS, PRECISION, SYNCHRONISM, TIME INTERVALS, TIME SIGNALS, TIME STANDARDS

Subject Categories : Unmanned Spacecraft

Distribution Statement : APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE