A simplified gravitational reference sensor for satellite geodesy

Alvarez, Anthony Davila; Knudtson, Aaron; Unmil, Patel,; Gleason, J.; Hollis, Harold; Sanjuán, Jose; Doughty, Neil; Glenn, McDaniel,; Lee, Jennifer; Leitch, James; Bennett, Stephen; Bevilacqua, Riccardo; Mueller, G.; Spero, Robert; Ware, Brent; Wass, Peter; Wiese, D. N.; Ziemer, John; Conklin, John

doi:10.1007/s00190-022-01659-0

Cited by 11 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 60 publications

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“…The inertial sensor is a scientific instrument used to measure acceleration in microgravity environments. Its core structure consists of a sensitive probe, a capacitive (or optical) displacement sensor, and a feedback control circuit [ 32 , 33 ]. Based on its principle, it can operate in two different modes during its on-orbit functionality: accelerometer mode and inertial reference mode [ 25 , 34 ].…”

Section: The Charge Accumulation Of Inertial Sensorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

High-Precision Inertial Sensor Charge Management Based on Ultraviolet Discharge: A Comprehensive Review

Yu,

Wang,

Liu

et al. 2023

Sensors

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The charge accumulation caused by cosmic rays and solar energetic particles poses a significant challenge as a source of noise for inertial sensors used in space gravitational wave detection. To address this issue, the implementation of charge management systems based on ultraviolet discharge becomes crucial. This paper focuses on elucidating the principles and methods of using ultraviolet discharge for charge management in high-precision inertial sensors. Furthermore, it presents the design and implementation of relevant payloads. Through an analysis of the charge accumulation effect and its impact on noise, key considerations regarding coatings, light sources, and optical paths are explored, and some current and valuable insights into the future development of charge management systems are also summarized. The conclusions drawn from this research also provide guidance for the advancement of higher precision ultraviolet discharge technology and the design of charge management systems.

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Section: The Charge Accumulation Of Inertial Sensorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

High-Precision Inertial Sensor Charge Management Based on Ultraviolet Discharge: A Comprehensive Review

Yu,

Wang,

Liu

et al. 2023

Sensors

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“…For accelerometers we considered a range of current and developing technologies at ONERA (vendor for GRACE/GRACE‐FO), as well as the Simplified LISA Pathfinder Gravitational Reference Sensor (S‐GRS) (Davila Alvarez et al., 2021) and compact optomechanical accelerometers (Hines et al., 2020). Given the current TRL of the various development efforts, the team recommended use of an ONERA electrostatic accelerometer for the next mass change mission.…”

Section: Architectures and Technologymentioning

confidence: 99%

The Mass Change Designated Observable Study: Overview and Results

Wiese

Bienstock

Loomis

et al. 2022

Earth and Space Science

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The 2017–2027 United States National Academy of Sciences Decadal Survey (DS) for Earth Science and Applications from Space identified Mass Change (MC) as one of five Designated Observables (DOs) having the highest priority in terms of Earth observations required to advance Earth system science over the next decade. In response to this designation, NASA initiated several multi‐center studies, with the goal of recommending observing system architectures for each DO for implementation within this decade. This paper provides an overview of the Mass Change Designated Observable (MCDO) Study along with key findings. The study process included: (a) generation of a Science and Applications Traceability Matrix (SATM) that maps required measurement parameters to the DS Science and Applications Objectives; (b) identification of three architecture classes relevant for measuring mass change: Precise Orbit Determination (POD), Satellite‐Satellite‐Tracking (SST) and Gravity Gradiometry (GG), along with variants within each architecture class; and (c) creation of a Value Framework process that considers science value, cost, risk, schedule, and partnership opportunities, to identify and recommend high value observing systems for further in‐depth study. The study team recommended the implementation of an SST architecture, and identified variants that simultaneously (a) satisfy the baseline measurement parameters of the SATM; (b) maximize the probability of providing overlap with the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow‐On (GRACE‐FO) mission currently in operation, accelerating science return from both missions; and (c) provide a pathway towards substantial improvements in resolution and accuracy of mass change data products relative to the program of record.

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“…Such experiments include, for example, tests of the equivalence principle [16], measurements of the gravitational constant G [17][18][19], testing the inverse square law [20,21], probing the gravitational coupling between miniature masses [22] and the observation of noise created by fluctuating electrostatic charges on dielec-tric surfaces [23]. TBs have also proven crucial during the development and verification of the GRS for the LPF mission [24][25][26] and have been employed to design simplified versions of this device [27][28][29].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A torsion balance as a weak-force testbed for novel optical inertial sensors

Bergmann,

Cordes,

Gentemann

et al. 2024

Class. Quantum Grav.

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Torsion balances (TBs) are versatile instruments known for their ability to measure tiny forces and accelerations with high precision. We are currently commissioning a new TB facility to support the development and testing of novel optical inertial sensor units for future gravity-related space missions. Here, we report on the status of our apparatus and present first sensitivity curves that demonstrate acceleration and torque sensitivities of 5 ⋅ 10 − 11 m s − 2 and 1 ⋅ 10 − 12 N m H z − 1 at frequencies around 4 m H z , respectively. Capacitive sensors and optical levers measure the dynamics of the system with a displacement sensitivity of down to 9 ⋅ 10 − 10 m H z − 1 for the former and 2 ⋅ 10 − 11 m H z − 1 for the latter. Combining the readout of the suspended inertial member (IM) with environmental sensor signals, the system is characterized, and limiting noise sources are identified. We find that, in particular, the coupling of ambient seismic motion is limiting over a broad frequency range and show that due to its high susceptibility to ground motion, our TB is also a promising platform for exploring ground motion sensing in multiple degrees of freedom. Future upgrades will focus on mitigating seismic noise by controlling the torsion fiber suspension point using piezoelectric actuators and the integration of precision interferometric readout of the IM. These improvements will further increase the sensitivity towards the thermal noise limit which constrains the performance to 1 ⋅ 10 − 13 m s − 2 H z − 1 at 4 m H z .

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A simplified gravitational reference sensor for satellite geodesy

Cited by 11 publications

References 60 publications

High-Precision Inertial Sensor Charge Management Based on Ultraviolet Discharge: A Comprehensive Review

High-Precision Inertial Sensor Charge Management Based on Ultraviolet Discharge: A Comprehensive Review

The Mass Change Designated Observable Study: Overview and Results

A torsion balance as a weak-force testbed for novel optical inertial sensors

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