Abstract
This paper presents a summary of recent results of analyses of satellite laser ranging (SLR) data taken on LAGEOS (Laser Geodynamics Satellite) for the 3.3-year period from September 1983 to December 1986. LAGEOS data were analyzed to compute earth rotation parameters and a new global solution of the geocentric coordinates for 39 laser tracking stations. Laser station positioning was part of a simultaneous adjustment of parameters for LAGEOS orbital elements, an along-track acceleration, a solar radiation pressure coefficient in 30-day arcs and earth rotation parameters in 5-day subarcs. The earth rotation series computed in 5-day intervals have an internal precision of better than 2 mas for polar motion components and 0.15 ms for the change in the length of day. For 15 selected laser stations, baseline and station coordinate changes have been investigated by successive determination of station positions using annual datasets covering the 3-year period beginning in January 1984. It is shown that laser observed rates of change in baseline lengths are in general agreement with the motions predicted by the MINSTER-JORDAN AM1-2 model. Plate motions relative to Shimosato laser station have been observed for the first time using SLR data.
