Satellite Gravity Gradiometry Sensitivity Analysis

The rapid advancement of cold atom gravimetry has created the potential for high precision satellite-based observations of planetary gravity fields from a comparatively modest payload. The relatively low mass of cold-atom units makes multi-satellite observational campaigns both more practical and more cost-effective. The key determinant for the success of this style of mission is a combination of instrument sensitivity and the configuration of the deployed satellite constellation. In this study we present the results of a systematic numerical analysis of the observational precision that can be achieved across a variety of satellite constellations and a range of gradiometer instrument sensitivities. Our objective is to determine the constellation geometries that take best advantage of the high sensitivity of cold atom gravity gradiometers.