Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Satellite Tracking Program.

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.

From the description of Satellite Tracking Program, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, 1957-1983 Records. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 78178387