Geometry from simultaneous satellite ranging

Abstract

The geometric approach to satellite geodesy through simultaneous observations is discussed in general and as regards pure simultaneous ranging to a satellite in some detail. Closed expressions are derived for the geometric conditions imposed upon a network of satellite tracking stations joining in simultaneous ranging. The mathematical procedure suggested is symmetric in all stations and only involves the unknown distances between them and the measured ranges to a satellite. A comparison is made with similar 1-and 2-dimensional problems.