FEATS-G: Orbit and quantum sensor performance simulation for future satellite gravity missions
Abstract
Satellite gravimetry missions GRACE and GRACE-FO have significantly advanced Earth observation by enabling monthly, high-precision mapping of global mass redistributions. These missions have provided unprecedented insights into the system Earth, such as ice sheet and glacier mass loss, sea level rise, terrestrial water storage changes. However, the classical electrostatic accelerometers suffer from their low-frequency drift and are one of the limiting factors. This drawback can be counterbalanced by an accelerometer based on Cold Atom Interferometry (CAI) because of its high long-term stability.The FEATS-G project advances this frontier through end-to-end simulations to evaluate quantum-based satellite mission concepts. The simulations allow for a comprehensive evaluation of future mission concepts and the exploration of novel scientific applications. They also enable the assessment of quantum-based sensors’ added value in distinguishing between different geophysical signals, while preparing the scientific community for the arrival of this new data type.This contribution focuses on the simulation procedure of observations based on quantum technology. The selected mission scenario will be simulated by the orbit propagation software VENQS. The satellites’ surface is modelled by means of finite elements in order to calculate precise non-gravitational forces induced by solar and Earth radiation and atmospheric drag. The non-gravitational accelerations are considered as disturbance and are measured by the accelerometer. The CAI acceleration measurements are simulated considering various error sources, such as detection noise, contrast loss, wavefront aberration and laser frequency noise. Furthermore, rotational effects and rotation compensation methods using a counter-rotating mirror are included. The simulation procedure and methodology and first results are shown. The artificial orbit data and sensor output will later be used in the gravity field recovery process.We acknowledge the support by the European Union for the project FEATS-G (Call: HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-81).