Analysis Working Group

The generation of a number of scientific data products, based on Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) and Lunar Laser Ranging (LLR) observations, is the prime objective of the ILRS. These products include station coordinates, site velocities, Earth Orientation Parameters (EOP), geocenter coordinates and many others. Historically, ILRS analysis centers have provided SLR station coordinates to the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS). These coordinates are used in the origin and scale definition of the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF), a relative strength of the laser ranging technique.

During the last decade, new geodetic observation techniques (e.g. GPS, DORIS, GLONASS) have come to fruition and have significantly increased the number of individual contributions to the IERS/ITRF. This has necessitated a better coordination and definition of the science products. Each technique is assuming more responsibility for combining it solutions; providing quality control of its end product; and comparing its results to the other techniques. In the ILRS, these responsibilities reside with the Analysis Working Group (AWG). Currently, this is a pilot project.

Responsible Government Official: Carey Noll
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