Workshop 2000SEKCE

Satellite Laser Ranging Station Helwan as a
Part of the Global Network, International
Projects in Earth Science and Astronomy

Laserový družicový radar Helwan
jako součást globální sítě pro podporu řešení mezinárodních projektů věd o Zemi a vesmíru

A. Novotný, M. Čech, H. Jelínková, K. Hamal,
I. Procházka, Y. E. Helali*, K. Y. Khalil*, M. Y. Tawadrous*

novotny@troja.fjfi.cvut.cz

CTU, Faculty of Nuclear Sciences, Dept. of Physical Electronics
Břehová 7, 115 19 Praha 1
* National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG), Satellite Laser Ranging Station
El Marsaad Str., Cairo-Helwan, Egypt

Satellite laser ranging (SLR) uses lasers to measure ranges from ground stations to satellite borne retro-reflectors to the millimeter level. SLR is the most accurate technique to studies of the Earth/Atmosphere/Oceans system, to determine the geocentric position of an Earth satellite. SLR has been proven to failsafe redundancy to spaceborne radiometric tracking systems. SLR provides a unique capability for the experimental verification of special prediction of the Theory of General Relativity. SLR is unique for modeling and evaluating long-term climate change (http://ilrs.gsfc.nasa.gov/slrover.pdf). The SLR station at Helwan was set up under a joint program with NRIAG, CTU FNSPE Prague, Russian Academy of Sciences and the SAO, USA , has been (from 1976) regularly upgraded to improve performance. SLR Helwan has been part of the worldwide SLR network for more than 20 years. With approximately 40 stations worldwide, this global network provides precise measurements to research institutions. Over this past year this network has been organized into the International Laser Ranging Service (http://ilrs.gsfc.nasa.gov). The Helwan site is an important station in the SLR Network is the only SLR station on the African Continent. The data contributions and analysis of the results to scientific programs are available on ilrs web pages and linked web pages of the cooperating institutions worldwide.

References

[1] Cech,M. et al: Upgrading of the Helwan Laser Station (1997-1998) Proceedings 11th International Workshop on Laser Ranging, September 1998, Deggendorf, Germany, ISSN 1436-3445

[2] Novotny,A. : Human Factor as an Important Phenomenon of GLOBAL SLR Network Proceedings 11th International Workshop on Laser Ranging, September 1998, Deggendorf, Germany, ISSN 1436-3445

[3] Prochazka,I. : Differential Satellite Laser Ranging SLR System Diagnostic Tool Proceedings 11th International Workshop on Laser Ranging, September 1998, Deggendorf, Germany, ISSN 1436-3445

[4] Prochazka,I. - Novotny,A.: Ground Target Calibration Scheme, SLR Station Helwan The EOS/SPIE Symposium on Remote Sensing, September 1999, University of Florence, Italy

This research has been supported by:GACR: 205/97/0130, MSMT CR: ME-093, NRIAG Egypt: GSH-0951

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