Abstract

This is a transparent color illustration of the Lageos Launch Vehicle. Components are annotated in the cut-away illustration.

Abstract

The Laser Geodynamics Satellite (LAGEOS) ... is encrusted with 426 highly precise optical elements. These elements, called retroreflectors, produced by the Perkin-Elmer Corporation, Norwalk, Conneticut, ... are the key to the passive satellites' effectiveness. They are designed to accurately reflecte laser light beamed at them from earth directly back to an earth based ground station.

Abstract

This is a binder into which a variety of documents have been compiled (412 pages). The period covered begins wiht launch preparations and launch onf May 4, 197. Post-launch documents over the following several years are included. There is a Table of Contents in the front of the binder.

Abstract Perched in the nose of a Delta rocket, one of the simplest satellites ever built by the U.S. roared off the launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base last week be begin an 8 million-year journey in space. ...Bcause LAGEOS is expected to remain in orbit for so long, NASA has placed aboard it two stainless-steel sheets each etched with a message conceived by astrophysicist Carl Sagan of Cornell University , designed to inform extraterrestrial visitors or future inhabitants of the earth about the...

Abstract

LAGEOS was launched into orbit on May 4... The early phase of the mission will validate laser ranging techniques and is already beginning with the first laser returns acquired by the Smithsonian's Mount Hopkins Observatory on May 6, 1976.

Abstract

...the satellite is performing "exceedingly well" according to reports. ... The 10-centimeter accuracy goal prescribed to be attained within one year after its May 4, 1976 launch was in fact attained within the first two weeks.

Abstract

Robert L. Spencer, who served as Lageos Program manager in NASA Headquarters for the past two years has been reassigned to the staff of the Payloads Studies Office at Marshall Center. At HEadquarters, Spencer was in teh Special Projects Office, Office of Applications.

Abstract

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) Baker-Nunn camera and laser network provided teh orbital acquisition for Lageos. Signal-strength and range-noise measurements made by SAO and NASA show that the satellite is functioning as anticipated. Epoc June 7.0; inclination 109.8585 deg; eccentricity 0.003929; apogee 5914.9 km; perigee 5845.4 km; period 225.4706 min; semimajor axis 12271.790 km.

Abstract

The June 25, 1976 issue of SCIENCE has a photograph of LAGEOS on its cover. The general article by King-Hele mentions LAGEOS on p 1299.

Abstract

A Laser Geodynamic Satellite that will serve as a tool for obtaining information on Earth's crustal movements, polar motion, solid Earth tides and precise locations on various spots on the planet was launched May 4 from the Western Test Range by a three-stage Delta vehicle. Lageos is the first NASA spacecraft dedicated exclusively to laser ranging.