Determination of ocean tidal parameters from the long-period analysis of the orbit of Starlette

The orbit of Starlette has been determined over a two-year period utilizing satellite laser range data. A novel long-period analysis technique has been used to find the long-term evolution of the orbit due to ocean tides. Ocean tidal parameters have been determined by fitting the changes in the inclination, eccentricity and right ascension of the ascending node by a least-squares method. A simultaneous solution for the ocean tidal parameters has also been found whilst constraining the values to those of the Schwiderski ocean tide model. The results are compared with those for global ocean tide models.