Feasibility Study of a Future Satellite Gravity Mission Using GEO-LEO Line-of-Sight Observations

摘要: In this article the feasibility of gravity field determination with very high-low satellite-to-satellite tracking, as intended part GETRIS (“Geodesy and Time Reference in Space”) mission concept, is investigated. For purpose several geostationary satellites (GEOs) are positioned around Earth. A microwave system used to determine relative position between low Earth orbits (LEOs) GEOs high accuracy, from which can be estimated.This concept simulated retrieve time-variable caused by temporal changes continental hydrology. The simulation based on simplified assumptions, taking only errors ranging instrument into account. recovered a closed-loop environment observations. Furthermore, possibility enhancing GRACE results GEO-LEO tracking investigated.Overall show that promising, since it possibly reduces some weaknesses LEO-LEO measures radial component Earth’s field. Due option multi-satellite might observed within shorter time periods than single GRACE-like mission. However, more detailed simulations required draw final conclusions exact magnitude benefit.