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Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Satellite Tracking Program.
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Satellite Tracking Program records, 1957-1983.
This record unit consists mostly of records documenting the administration, operation and scientific work of the STP Baker-Nunn camera and laser-ranging stations. The majority of the files were created after the SAO reorganization in 1973 and maintained by the Radio and Geoastronomy Division. The records include correspondence, memoranda, reports, drawings, blueprints, plans, schematics, charts, publications, manuals, maps, and data concerning station operations; station personnel; the design of stations and facilities; satellites tracked; equipment development, especially the laser-ranging system; agreements with host nations, states, and organizations; procurement requests and property inventories; weather at stations; and general administration. Also included is correspondence of STP Manager Michael R. Pearlman; photographs and slides of stations, personnel, equipment, and facilities; and information on foreign countries where stations were located.
For an administrative history of the Satellite Tracking Program (STP), see record unit 263.
As a result of an administrative reorganization of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) in 1973, the Satellite Tracking Program was placed under the management of the newly created Geoastronomy Division (after 1977, the Radio and Geoastronomy Division). At that time, Michael R. Pearlman was appointed Manager of STP.
During the 1970s, several of the STP's Baker-Nunn camera stations were replaced by laser-ranging tracking systems, as SAO's mission of operational tracking evolved into the support of scientific programs, particularly in earth dynamics. By the mid-1970s, STP laser ranging stations were operational in Arizona, Australia, Brazil, and Peru. STP also had cooperating agreements to track satellites with laser systems located in Spain and Greece. Baker-Nunn camera stations continued to make significant observations until 1978. Satellite data acquired by STP stations was used in investigations of polar motion, earth and ocean tides, crustal motion and deformation, and in the determination of the gravity field and its temporal variations. STP was terminated in 1983 when the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) contract to operate all NASA satellite tracking stations was awarded to the Bendix Corporation.
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Satellite Tracking Program.
Astrophysical observatories.
Photographs. aat
Portraits. aat
Artifacts. aat
Architectural drawings. aat ftamc
Maps. aat
Pearlman, Michael R.
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Radio and Geoastronomy Division.
United States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
AIP-ICOS
Smithsonian Institution. Archives. Capital Gallery, Suite 3000, MRC 507, 600 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024-2520, USA
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