The GEOS 3 (Geodynamics and Earth Ocean Satellite) spacecraft was launched on April 9, 1975. The spacecraft carried a radar altimeter for mapping of the oceans, as well as a laser retroflector, and other tracking beacons. Altimeter data from GEOS-3 became part of the GEM-T3, JGM-1 and JGM-2 gravity models. In addition SLR (satellite laser ranging) data to GEOS-3, as well as satellite-to-satellite Doppler tracking data from the geostationary satellite ATS-6 were also included in these models. During the development of the prelaunch TOPEX gravity models, GEOS-3 was considered to be an important satellite, since it was located near the mirror inclination of TOPEX/POSEIDON (66.6 deg).
EGM96 included GEOS-3 SLR data, as well as combined SLR and satellite-to-satellite tracking data from ATS-6.
Kahn, W. D., S. M. Klosko, and W. T. Wells, "Mean gravity anomalies from a combination of Apollo/ATS 6 and GEOS-3/ATS 6 SST tracking campaigns," J. Geophys. Res., 87, 2904-2918, 1982.
Lerch, F. J., Klosko, S. M., Laubscher, R. E., Wagner, C. A.,
"Gravity Model Improvement Using GEOS-3 (GEM-9 and 10)",
Rapp, R. H., "Gravity anomalies and sea surface heights derived from a combined GEOS 3/Seasat altimeter data set," J. Geophys. Res., 91, 4867-4876, 1986
back to Description of Satellite Data.
