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Satellite Laser Ranging Overview
Observed Satellites
Geodetic satellites ("cannon ball satellites")
e.g., Lageos 1+2, Starlette, Stella, Etalon 1+2, Larets
Navigation satellites:
GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
Earth-observing satellites (with altimeters)
e.g., Envisat, Jason
Gravimetric satellites
e.g., CHAMP, GRACE A+B, (GOCE)
Special missions
e.g., tethered satellites (TiPS),
general relativity (Gravity Probe B)
Observations since 1997
The plots show the continuous increase in the data volume thanks to the dedication of the observers and the improvements in the reliability and the degree of automation of the station.
Observation schedule
Thanks to the rapid switching between satellites (pass interleaving) several satellites can be observed nearly simultaneously. 
Average Utilization
Due to the weather conditions at Zimmerwald observations (i.e., at least one satellite pass) can be done at about 2/3 of the days of the year.
