NASA | Space Geodesy Profiles: Jan McGarry

The video discusses the laser remote sensing branch at the Goddard Space Flight Center, focusing on satellite laser ranging. This technique measures the distance to satellites, aiding in precise orbit determination and understanding Earth's center of mass and tectonic plate movements. The history of satellite laser ranging, developed by Henry Plotkin in the 1960s at Goddard, is highlighted. The speaker describes daily operations, including meetings, system operation, software development, and overcoming challenges in research and development.

What is the primary purpose of satellite laser ranging?

• To capture images of distant galaxies

• To communicate with extraterrestrial life

• To determine the precise orbit of satellites

• To measure the temperature of satellites

How does satellite laser ranging help in understanding tectonic plate movements?

• By tracking the migration patterns of birds

• By determining the position of stations relative to each other

• By analyzing the color of the ocean

• By measuring the temperature of the Earth's core

Who was responsible for developing satellite laser ranging at Goddard?

• Galileo Galilei

• Isaac Newton

• Henry Plotkin

• Albert Einstein

When was the Goddard Laser Ranging Station established?

• December 25th, 1975

• October 31st, 1964

• January 1st, 1980

• July 20th, 1969

What is a common challenge faced in R&D development at Goddard?

• Shortage of skilled personnel

• Encountering difficult problems that require persistence

• Frequent power outages

• Lack of funding