NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Collections About News Help Login
Back to Results
Geoid Recovery Using Geophysical Inverse Theory Applied to Satellite to Satellite Tracking DataThis report describes a new method for determination of the geopotential, or the equivalent geoid. It is based on Satellite-to-Satellite Tracking (SST) of two co-orbiting low earth satellites separated by a few hundred kilometers. The analysis is aimed at the GRACE Mission, though it is generally applicable to any SST data. It is proposed that the SST be viewed as a mapping mission. That is, the result will be maps of the geoid or gravity, as contrasted with determination of spherical harmonics or Fourier coefficients. A method has been developed, based on Geophysical Inverse Theory (GIT), that can provide maps at a prescribed (desired) resolution and the corresponding error map from the SST data. This computation can be done area by area avoiding simultaneous recovery of all the geopotential information. The necessary elements of potential theory, celestial mechanics, and Geophysical Inverse Theory are described, a computation architecture is described, and the results of several simulations presented. Centimeter accuracy geoids with 50 to 100 km resolution can be recovered with a 30 to 60 day mission.
Document ID
20000080261
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Contractor or Grantee Report
Authors
Gaposchkin, E. M. (Mathematical Geosciences, Inc. Lexington, MA United States)
Date Acquired
September 7, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 2000
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Report/Patent Number
MG-103
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS5-99123
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

Related Records

There are no records associated with this record.
No Preview Available