Correlated atom accelerometers for mapping the Earth gravity field from Space

The emergence of quantum technologies, including cold atom based accelerometers, offers an opportunity to improve the performances of space geodesy missions. In this context, CNES initiated an assessment study called GRICE (GRadiométrie à Interféromètres quantiques Corrélés pour l’Espace) in order to evaluate the impact of cold atom technologies to space geodesy and to the end users of the geodetic data. In this paper, we present a specific mission scenario for gravity field mapping based on a twin satellite concept. The mission uses a constellation of two satellites each equipped with a cold atom accelerometer. A laser link measures the distance between the two satellites and couples these two instruments in order to produce a correlated differential acceleration measurement. The main parameters, determining the performances of the payload, have been investigated. In addition, a preliminary study of mass, consumption and volume has been conducted to ensure the onboard feasibility of these instruments. A general study of the satellite architecture, including all the subsystems, has also been realized and is presented here.