Abstract
Ranging tests with the “Microwave Time and Ranging Experiment” module, MITREX, and the ESA telecommunication satellite, OTS, are described. Slant range measurements with a very-high-resolution (15 cm or better) were obtained by using only the MITREX modem and a time interval counter as additional ground station equipment. The transmission power used was equivalent to that required for one telephone channel. The link was shown to be very insensitive to interference, due to the fact that the signal-to-noise ratio for the pseudo-random ranging signal may be as low as − 10 dB within a bandwidth of 3 MHz. Four-way ranging using three earth stations was employed to demonstrate the practical ease of instantaneous position and velocity measurements to high accuracy using MITREX. The significance of the application of high-accuracy ranging in the orbit control of telecommunication satellites is discussed. It may be concluded that the MITREX has application in current telecommunication missions requiring more precise orbit control, as well as future concepts, such as geostationary platforms and clusters.
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