BackForwardInstrument:  RRA 

Instrument details
Acronym RRA
Full name Retro-Reflector Array
Purpose Space geodesy - Precision orbitography
Short description Assemblage of 60 corner cube reflectors - The payload consists of the full satellite
Background Consolidated technology
Scanning Technique N/A
Resolution N/A
Coverage / Cycle N/A
Mass 20.63 kg Power Data Rate

 

Providing Agency DLR
Instrument Maturity
Utilization Period: 1995 to 1999
Last update: 2014-01-07
Detailed characteristics
Satellites this instrument is flying on

Note: a red tag indicates satellites no longer operational, a green tag indicates operational satellites, a blue tag indicates future satellites

Instrument classification
  • Other payload component
  • Positioning system
WIGOS Subcomponents
  • Subcomponent 1
  • Gravimetry missions
  • Gravitometry sensing system
Mission objectives
Evaluation of Measurements

The following list indicates which measurements can typically be retrieved from this category of instrument. To see a full Gap Analysis by Variable, click on the respective variable.

Note: table can be sorted by clicking on the column headers
Note: * Primary mission objective.
VariableRelevance for measuring this variableOperational limitationsExplanation
Crustal motion (horizontal and vertical)1 - primaryGround stations network needed.. Long time series needed.Dedicated satellite equipped by laser retroreflectors, specifically designed for space geodesy
Crustal plates positioning1 - primaryGround stations network needed.. Long time series needed.Specifically designed system for space geodesy
Geoid1 - primaryGround stations network needed.. Long time series needed.Dedicated satellite in very stable orbit optimal for describing the Earth's gravity field and geoid
Gravity field3 - highPartial information (geoid).Dedicated satellite in very stable orbit optimal for describing the Earth's gravity field
Atmospheric density3 - highNo specific limitation.Laser retro-reflector on a satellite re-entering phase. Atmospheric density measured by the experienced atmospheric drag