Simulation of earth gravity field using satellite constellation with variable inclination configuration

Abstract

Based on a satellite constellation composed of two GRACE-type satellite formations with different inclinations (near polar orbit + low inclination) and the theory of repeat orbit cycle, we discuss the methods for selecting medium-low inclinations for global and local gravity fields. The effects of this constellation configuration on gravity field inversion are comparatively analyzed using a whole-course dynamics simulation. The results show that compared with the single GRACE-type satellite formation, the use of satellite constellations with different inclination configurations improves the gravity solution precision by 34%. The inclusion of multi-directional observations can improve the spatio-temporal resolution of the satellite missions, and yield gravity field solutions with higher isotropic sensitivity. Furthermore, it is necessary to select the optimal low inclination according to the study area, which will have a significant influence on the gravity field solution.

Keywords

• Satellite constellation
• Low inclination
• Multi-directional observations
• Inversion of gravity field