The phase-coherent range and Doppler tracking data obtained as a basis for the navigation of the Mariner 9 spacecraft from earth to Mars determine also the earth-moon mass ratio. As the earth revolves about the center of mass of the earth-moon system, a sinusoidal curve is impressed on the range and Doppler tracking data with a frequency equal to the sidereal mean motion of the moon. The mass ratio was determined from range and Doppler data obtained over a period of 15 weeks. The results from the Mariner Mars 1971 data are presented in a table together with previous results obtained in connection with other spacecraft.
Earth-moon mass ratio from Mariner 9 radio tracking data.
Nature ; 241
1973-01-12
Miscellaneous
No indication
English
Mariner 10 Multispectral Images of the Moon and Mercury
British Library Conference Proceedings | 1994
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