Site Procedures / Requirements

ILRS station policy

A laser ranging station may be a member of the ILRS network:

  • As an operational station, if it provides data in proper format and of sufficient data quality to achieve IAG related objectives;
  • As an engineering station, if:
    • the station performs engineering and development work that may be of interest to the ILRS in its IAG or other science or engineering activities; or
    • the station is in process with the objective of supporting the ILRS in its IAG or other science objectives.

The acceptance of the station in the ILRS network will be made by the Central Bureau and the Networks and Engineering Standing Committee. Stations in the acceptance process may join in an engineering status and be upgraded to operational status when operations begin. Operational stations that have not taken data for two years, may be relegated to engineering status until routine operations commence.

To join the ILRS network, stations must submit a completed "Station Application for Joining the ILRS Network” form (which includes a commitment to adhere to the ILRS guidelines) as well as a draft ILRS site log to the ILRS Central Bureau. The submitted information will be reviewed for compliance and safety by the Central Bureau and the Networks and Engineering Standing Committee.

Furthermore, as part of the ILRS network, ILRS stations must agree to follow ILRS guidelines as specified on the ILRS website.

  • Range to satellites that have been authorized by the ILRS and listed on the ILRS website
    • Current satellites
    • Past/other satellites (unless noted otherwise)
  • Adhere to the ILRS restricted tracking procedures and only range to restricted missions when explicitly approved by the ILRS and the mission
  • Keep its site logs and configuration files current
  • Maintain aircraft avoidance and other ILRS safety procedures
  • Adhere to the ILRS data product delivery requirements NPT / full-rate
  • Strive to produce the highest quality SLR measurement by:
    • Eliminating systematic errors
    • Carrying out regular system delay calibrations
    • Regularly surveying the site reference markers and inter-technique site ties
    • Investigating and responding promptly to ILRS notifications and communications regarding data quality issues

Approved stations may support other science and engineering activities, but must adhere to the ILRS safety requirements above.

Additional Requirements

In addition to the ILRS Policy above, new stations or stations that have relocated are required to: