Radial variations of a satellite orbit due to gravitational errors: Implications for satellite altimetry

摘要: The linear perturbations of the radius a satellite orbit due to geopotential are derived. From these, estimates made radial error just errors from current models employing only conventional satellite-tracking data. show that about an order magnitude improvement in will be necessary utilize full accuracy independent altimeter measurements. used (1) substantial low-degree is possible indirect use Seasat altimetry at track crossovers, and (2) separation “permanent” sea topography geoid may direct heights along track.