Twin probes for space geodesy

Details Twin probes for space geodesy Twin probes for space geodesy

Aug 1978

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1978ncimc...1..299b&link_type=abstract

Nuovo Cimento C, Serie 1, vol. 1C, July-Aug. 1978, p. 299-314.

Physics

Celestial Geodesy, Geopotential, Gravimetry, Solar Gravitation, Space Probes, Acceleration (Physics), Aerodynamic Drag, Earth Orbits, Laser Range Finders

Scientific paper

The twin probe method, proposed by Bertotti and Colombo (1972) to eliminate nongravitational forces in interplanetary space, can be applied to a near-earth orbit to eliminate the atmospheric drag. Two equal pairs of probes, each pair consisting of two passive, small and dense spheres of equal surface and different masses, are flown on a circular orbit at an altitude of about 300 km. Each pair determines the motion of an ideal point which feels only the gravitational forces. They are separated by a distance d of (100-200) km and are tracked from a spacecraft or the Space Shuttle, flying at the same altitude. The relative motion of the two ideal points is reconstructed and yields a measurement of the fine structure of the earth gravitational field, corresponding to a harmonic of order approximately a/d (a is the radius of the earth). The tracking can be done by laser ranging to the four spheres, covered by corner reflectors. The accuracy in the compensation of the non-gravitational forces and in the measurements one needs for a given l are discussed in detail.

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