Upgrading the nasa satellite laser ranging network for the 21~(ST) century and the single operator automation project

摘要

The NASA Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) Netwoprk has been preparing for the 21~(ST) century by upgrading and planning the redistribution of its systems. NASA intends to relocate two of its MOBLAS systems to Tahiti, French Polynesia and South Africa, respectively. The purpose of the redistribution of the NASA MOBLAS system is to improve the geographical distribution of the global SLR network. The upgrading program for the MOBLAS systems included several automation projects. The objectives of these projects were to improve productivity and make the MOBLAS systems more cost efficient while enhancing the quality as we approach the 21~(st) Century. The automation program included the Mount Observer Automation (MOA), MOBLAS Upgrade Project (MUP), the High Sensitivity Laseiver (HSLR), and the Single Operator Automation Project (SOAP). The MOA, MUP, and HSLR have been discussed at previous conferences, therefore, the details of SOAP will be presented.