Satellite Geodesy

Abstract

Reference systems, reference frames and coordinate transformations. Earth rotation. Geodetic space techniques GNSS, VLBI, SLR, DORIS and altimetry. Gravitation and gravity field. Satellite orbit computation. Gravity field satellite missions.

Objective

- Confidence in the handling of coordinate systems, reference systems and frames and time systems - Mastering of the calculation of ephemerides for unperturbed satellite orbits - Solid understanding of the space geodetic techniques and their strengths and weaknesses - Knowledge of the major processes causing changes in the three pillars of space geodesy (geometry, Earth rotation and Earth's gravity field) - Knowledge of existing and potential applications of the space geodetic techniques for interdisciplinary tasks (System Earth)

Content

- Celestial and terrestrial reference systems and frames, time systems - Earth rotation as the transformation between celestial and terrestrial reference systems with precession, nutation, sidereal time and polar motion, - Transformation between Cartesian and ellipsoidal coordinates - Space geodetic observation techniques: GNSS, VLBI, SLR, DORIS and altimetry - Gravitational field and gravity field of the Earth, geometry of the gravity field - Computation of unperturbed satellite orbits - Determination of the Earth gravity field with satellite missions

Resources