« Global combination from space geodetic techniques

Abstract

We have demonstrated the possibility of deriving both station coordinates and Earth Orientation Parameters (EOP) using weekly normal equations derived from the processing of different space-geodetic techniques: VLBI, SLR, LLR, DORIS and GPS. The work is performed in the frame of a joint project within the GRGS, Groupe de Recherches de Géodésie Spatiale, federation of French institutes. Observations of the different techniques: VLBI, SLR, LLR, DORIS and GPS are processed separately at the different institutes where in addition expertise can be found for the specific technique. Before such products are adopted as references, different problems concerning the stabilization of the terrestrial reference frame have to be solved in addition to upgrading the individual techniques processing to the best possible level of accuracy