Expanded SLR Target Constellation for Improved Future ITRFs

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E. C. Pavlis, M. Kuzmicz-Cieslak and K. Evans, Expanded SLR Target Constellation for Improved Future ITRFs , https://cddis.nasa.gov/lw21/docs/2018/posters/A4_Pavlis_Poster.pdf

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Abstract

The GGOS-imposed requirements to be met by all geodetic techniques per decade are very stringent: 1 mm position and 0.1 mm/y temporal stability. We are an order of magnitude worse today due to a poor ground segment and limitations in the space segment. The unavailability of daily sessions on SLR targets results in loss of geometry leading to lower accuracy and resolution of SLR products. The limited (4) satellites used in ITRF development led to several attempts to launch better-designed targets, leading to ASI’s LARES (LAser RElativity Satellite), launched by ESA in 2012. Along with the LAGEOS’ and Etalon it will now contribute to ITRF2020. Furthermore, ASI approved the development of LARES-2 with a launch in late 2019.