Hybrid Electrostatic–Atomic Accelerometer for Future Space Gravity Missions

Long-term observation of Earth’s temporal gravity field with enhanced and spatial resolution is a major objective for future satellite missions. Improving the performance accelerometers present in such missions one main paths to explore. In this context, we propose study an original concept hybrid accelerometer associating state-of-the-art electrostatic (EA) promising quantum sensor based on cold atom interferometry. To assess potential instrument, numerical simulations were performed determine its impact terms retrieval. Taking advantage long-term stability interferometer (CAI), it shown that reduced drift could lead improved Nevertheless, gain vanishes once variations related aliasing effects are taken into account. Improved de-aliasing models or some specific constellations then required maximize gain. evaluate achievable acceleration in-orbit, simulator was developed preliminary results given. The instrument part validated by reproducing achieved lab prototype operating ground. problem rotation CAI also investigated both experimental demonstrations. It proposed configuration, where EA’s proof-mass acts as reference mirror CAI, seems approach allow mitigation rotation. feasibility space applications, design elaborated along error, mass, volume, electrical power consumption budget.