Towards a realistic modelling of gravimetric errors in future missions equipped with quantum sensors

Cold Atom Interferometry (CAI) stands poised as a groundbreaking technique in satellite gravimetry, offering unparalleled precision and unbiased measurements. Despite the numerous studies on CAI's conceptual measurement techniques, attitude reconstruction accuracy poses a critical challenge. This submission seeks to bridge this gap by conducting an analysis of state-of-the-art attitude sensors and their suitability for upcoming quantum low-low satellite-to-satellite and gravity gradiometry missions utilizing CAI instruments.

Acknowledging the immense promise of Cold Atom Interferometry, we emphasise the need to put this conceptual potential in the context of the accuracy of attitude reconstruction, a factor that significantly influences the feasibility of Quantum Space Gravimetric (QSG) missions. We examine the specifications, strengths, and limitations of attitude, acceleration, position and inter-satellite distance sensors to combine them realistically in scenarios specific to quantum low-low satellite-to-satellite and gravity gradiometry missions relying on CAI instruments. We also analyse the classic counterparts, offering valuable insights into the conceptual mission configurations that benefit the most from CAI-based observations. Our findings contribute not only to the advancement of the use of CAI technology in future graviemtric missions but also to the broader understanding of the intricate interplay between cutting-edge measurement techniques and the supporting instrumentation required for their successful implementation.

This work is supported by the European Space Agency, under the project Quantum Space Gravimetry for monitoring Earth’s Mass Transport Processes (QSG4EMT), which has the general objectives to analyse future QSG mission architectures with ultimate goal to optimally exploit the performance of quantum sensors for retrieving temporal variations of Earth’s gravity field, evaluate the impact of mission configurations on the quality of the retrieved gravity field models and support the evolution of user requirements for future QSG missions.