Some comparisons of orbit determination and parameter estimation based on LAGEOS 1 and LAGEOS 2 data

The modelling accuracy of the LAGEOS 1 orbit was continously improved since its launch in 1976. In spite of these experiences the modelling accuracy of LAGEOS 2 is still about 20 per cent worse. Considering e. g. only the influence of different gravity field models it has been shown that the orbital fits for arc lengths of one month is generally about 25 mm for LAGEOS 1 and more than 30 mm for LAGEOS 2. This is mainly due to the fact that LAGEOS 2 has not yet been used for the determination of most gravity field models. The influences of different model parameters on the estimation of station coordinates, Earth rotation parameters, the geogravitational coefficient, the radiation pressure coefficient, and the empirical acceleration has been studied. The differences and peculiarities of both satellites are discussed. Although the analysis of LAGEOS 2 data still does not reach the high level of LAGEOS 1 combination solutions using both satellites allow new insights, higher accuracies, and a higher time resolution for the parameters and phenomena investigated.