Computer applications to lunar and artificial satellite laser ranging

The University of Texas McDonald Observatory has long been a pioneer in acquiring laser ranging data, a data type which has substantially improved our knowledge of the dynamics of the earth-moon system as well as various aspects of geophysics and general relativity. (See Mulholland, 1980; Shelus, 1985; Shelus, 1987.) The McDonald Laser Ranging System (MLRS) is one of only 2 laser ranging stations world-wide having the capability of routine data acquisition on both lunar and artificial satellite targets (Shelus,IEEE, 1985). In this paper we discuss the current applications of modern computer technology to the problems of acquiring and reducing that ranging data. As technology continues to improve, the logical upgrade is the replacement of obsolescent station minicomputers with the resource-rich environment of micro-computers. The goal is to allow the automation of many station ranging functions as well as the enhancement of onsite data quality control, filtering, and analysis. Plans for such upgrades and their implications for dynamical astronomy are discussed.