Abstract

The possible role played by parameters linked to the expanding Earth on the effects we observe in the orbital mo- tion of the artificial satellites is discussed here. The important result in this short note is the discrimination be- tween the reality of the glacial rebound process and/or the relaxation of the 100 m excess of equatorial bulge tes- tified by the high rate of , and the improbable role that glacial rebound can have in driving PM and TPW. It is recommended that the new technology of drag-free satellites be used (Gravity-Probe B is the first step) to reveal possible residual orbital parameter variations ascribable to formerly unrecognized fictitious drag terms due to Earth radial increase. J2o