Kalman-Filter Based Hybridization of Classic and Cold Atom Interferometry Accelerometers for Future Satellite Gravity Missions

authored by: Seyed Alireza HosseiniArani, Benjamin Tennstedt, Manuel Schilling, Annike Knabe, Hu Wu, Steffen Schön, Jürgen Müller
Abstract: Proof-of-principle demonstrations have been made for cold atom interferometer (CAI) sensors. Using CAI-based accelerometers in the next generation of satellite gravimetry missions can provide long-term stability and precise measurements of the non-gravitational forces acting on the satellites. This would allow a better understanding of climate change processes and geophysical phenomena which require long-term monitoring of mass variations with sufficient spatial and temporal resolution. The proposed accuracy and long-term stability of CAI-based accelerometers appear promising, while there are some major drawbacks in the long dead times and the comparatively small dynamic range of the sensors. One interesting way to handle these limitations is to use a hybridization with a conventional navigation sensor. This study discusses one possible solution to employ measurements of a CAI accelerometer together with a conventional Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) using a Kalman filter framework.

A hybrid navigation solution of these two sensors for applications on ground has already been demonstrated in simulations. Here, we adapt this method to a space-based GRACE-like gravimetry mission. A simulation is performed, where the sensitivity of the CAI accelerometer is estimated based on state-of-the-art ground sensors and further published space scenarios. Our results show that the Kalman filter framework can be used to combine the measurements of conventional inertial measurement units with the CAI accelerometers measurements in a way to benefit from the high accuracy of the conventional IMU measurements in higher frequencies together with the high stability of CAI measurements in lower frequencies. We will discuss the challenges, potential solutions, and the possible performance limits of the proposed hybrid accelerometry scenario
Organisation(s): Institute of Geodesy
CRC 1464: Relativistic and Quantum-Based Geodesy (TerraQ)
QuantumFrontiers
External Organisation(s): DLR-Institute for Satellite Geodesy and Inertial Sensing
Type: Conference contribution
Pages: 221-231
No. of pages: 11
Publication date: 2023
Publication status: Published
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: Engineering(all), Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics (miscellaneous)
Research Area (based on ÖFOS 2012): Satellite geodesy, Multidisciplinary
Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.1007/1345_2022_172 (Access: Open)

BibTeX

@inproceedings{730fdefbd7dd4ad983531b643fef6077,
title = "Kalman-Filter Based Hybridization of Classic and Cold Atom Interferometry Accelerometers for Future Satellite Gravity Missions",
abstract = "Proof-of-principle demonstrations have been made for cold atom interferometer (CAI) sensors. Using CAI-based accelerometers in the next generation of satellite gravimetry missions can provide long-term stability and precise measurements of the non-gravitational forces acting on the satellites. This would allow a better understanding of climate change processes and geophysical phenomena which require long-term monitoring of mass variations with sufficient spatial and temporal resolution. The proposed accuracy and long-term stability of CAI-based accelerometers appear promising, while there are some major drawbacks in the long dead times and the comparatively small dynamic range of the sensors. One interesting way to handle these limitations is to use a hybridization with a conventional navigation sensor. This study discusses one possible solution to employ measurements of a CAI accelerometer together with a conventional Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) using a Kalman filter framework.A hybrid navigation solution of these two sensors for applications on ground has already been demonstrated in simulations. Here, we adapt this method to a space-based GRACE-like gravimetry mission. A simulation is performed, where the sensitivity of the CAI accelerometer is estimated based on state-of-the-art ground sensors and further published space scenarios. Our results show that the Kalman filter framework can be used to combine the measurements of conventional inertial measurement units with the CAI accelerometers measurements in a way to benefit from the high accuracy of the conventional IMU measurements in higher frequencies together with the high stability of CAI measurements in lower frequencies. We will discuss the challenges, potential solutions, and the possible performance limits of the proposed hybrid accelerometry scenario",
keywords = "Atominterferometrie, Hybride Beschleunigungsmesser, Quantumsensoren, Satellitengravimetrie, Atom interferometry, Hybrid accelerometer, Quantum sensor, Satellite gravimetry",
author = "HosseiniArani, {Seyed Alireza} and Benjamin Tennstedt and Manuel Schilling and Annike Knabe and Hu Wu and Steffen Sch{\"o}n and J{\"u}rgen M{\"u}ller",
note = "This work is supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) Collaborative Research Center 1464 “TerraQ” – 434617780 and Germany{\textquoteright}s Excellence Strategy – EXC-2123 “QuantumFrontiers” – 390837967. B.T. acknowledges support from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), Project 50RK1957. A.K. acknowledges support from “Nieders{\"a}chsisches Vorab” through initial funding of research in the DLR-SI institute. Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2022, The Author(s).",
year = "2023",
doi = "10.1007/1345_2022_172",
language = "English",
isbn = "9783031295065",
series = "International Association of Geodesy Symposia",
publisher = "Springer Nature",
pages = "221--231",
editor = "Freymueller, {Jeffrey T.} and Laura S{\'a}nchez",
booktitle = "Geodesy for a Sustainable Earth - Proceedings of the 2021 Scientific Assembly of the International Association of Geodesy",
address = "United States",
}