Title: An Atomic Gravity Gradiometer for Earth Gravity Mapping and Monitoring Measurements
Presenting Author: Nan Yu
Organization: Jet Propulsion Lab

Abstract:
Laser-cooled atomic gases in free fall provide ideal, drag free test masses for inertial and gravity measurements. Interferometric inertial sensors based on cold atoms with the atom interferometers have demonstrated state-of-the-art performance in sensitivity and accuracy in laboratories. Adapting this new technology for space-borne gravity measurements will provide new opportunities for the next generation global gravity measurements with higher resolution, better long-term stability, as well as mission configuration flexibility. We will report the results of the development of space-oriented atom interferometry for Earth gravity mapping funded under ESTO IIP. Central to our work is the transportable atom interferometer instrument in operation at JPL, which is designed with a specific configuration for operation in space. Our recent advancements have brought the atom interferometer instrument to be competitive with those of the best performances from laboratory experiments reported in literature. We will review the design principle, discuss technical challenges and mitigations, and describe our findings. We will also discuss mission scenarios and trade-offs for future implementation of the atom interferometer sensors for space-based gravity mapping missions.