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103-0187-01L 6 Credits MSC D-ITET , D-BAUG , D-ERDW , D-MAVT , D-PHYS

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Space Geodesy

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Benedikt Soja

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:30:28

Abstract

GNSS, VLBI, SLR/LLR and satellite altimetry: Principles, instrumentation and observation equation. Modelling and estimation of station coordinates and station motion. Ionospheric and tropospheric refraction and estimation of atmospheric parameters. Equation of motion of the unperturbed and perturbed satellite orbit. Perturbation theory and orbit determination.

Objective

After this course, the students should be able to • Describe the major observation techniques in space geodesy • Describe the necessary modeling and analysis approaches to derive geodetic products of highest quality • Select the appropriate space geodetic data for scientific investigations • Analyze the space geodetic data for scientific purposes • Interpret the scientific results

Content

Overview of GNSS, Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI), Satellite and Lunar Laser Ranging (SLR/LLR), Satellite Radar Altimetry with the basic principles, the instruments and observation equations. Modelling of the station motions and the estimation of station coordinates. Basics of wave propagation in the atmosphere. Signal propagation in the ionosphere and troposphere for the different observation techniques and the determination of atmospheric parameters. Equation of motion of the unperturbed and perturbed satellite orbit. Osculating and mean orbital elements. General and special perturbation theory and the determination of satellite orbits.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Script M. Rothacher "Space Geodesy"

General Information

Language: English
Levels: MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: oral 30 minutes

The oral exam can also be carried out in German. A project work carried out by the students will be graded and count as compulsory performance assessment 30% of the final mark.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Space Geodesy	Mon 09:45-11:30 (HIT H 51) Tue 15:45-17:30 (HIL E 10.1)	4 h weekly

Offered In

Geomatics Master
- Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2022)
  - Core Electives
Space Systems Master
- Deep Track Courses (At least 20 credits must be completed within the deep track courses. Surplus credit points can be counted towards the electives.)
  - Aerospace Engineering
    - Elective Courses Aerospace Engineering (These subjects can only be credited as electives.)
  - Earth Observation
    - Deep Track Earth Observation (These courses can be credited either as a specialization subject or as an elective subject.)
  - Planetary Science
    - Deep Track Planetary Science (These courses can be credited either as a specialization subject or as an elective subject.)