10/5/2005 ILRS Workshop Eastbourne, UK Oct 2005 1

NASA Restricted Tracking

• After ICESat Launch in 2003, HTSI produced predictions using the GPS Navigation Solutions

• MLRS and Moblas 7 began tracking the satellite on a Very limited basis (No tracking during maneuvers, scans or any passes over 70o in elevation)

• Initially, HTSI sent predictions directly to the two stations pass-by-pass in order to eliminate possibility of ground laser fire directly at the on-board detector

• Later in 2003, HTSI developed software for the Moblas stations that restricts laser fire to ICESat above 70o

• Following budget problems of 2003 and 2004, UTex took over the prediction generation, and all Moblas Systems were eventually approved to track satellite while using the automated elevation restriction

10/5/2005 ILRS Workshop Eastbourne, UK Oct 2005 2

NASA Restricted Tracking

• Moving into the future, the ILRS developed a strategy for new missions with restricted tracking requirements based on ICESat and GPB lessons learned

• NASA SLR / HTSI modifying and installing software designed and written by Randy Ricklefs of UTex

• Currently Installed and Testing on TLRS-4

• More modifications are necessary for the Moblas systems

• Will be installed and tested on Moblas 7

• Install the automatic features (getting go/no go, pass segment)

• Deliver software and installation procedures to all other Moblas stations by end of October or early November

• Still awaiting Verification Testing procedures from JAXA for ALOS satellite