Ranging accuracy analysis for the NRL@SOR satellite laser ranging capability

The Naval Research Laboratory satellite laser ranging system, integrated on the 3.5 meter telescope at the USAF Starfire Optical Range, collected measurements from March 1995 through February 1997. During this period, several engineering upgrades were performed which affected key components of the ranging measurements. Most notably, the use of an amplifier boosted signal returns and increased yield at low elevations, the use of which impacted the accuracy of the measurements. An analysis of the system accuracy is presented for the campaigns and configurations. A `round robin' technique of using a calibration satellite to independently confirm residual signatures in the GPS-35 and GPS-36 ephemerides is demonstrated.