ON A STUDY OF SPECIFIC METHODS OF MEASURING LUNAR GRAVITY

Abstract

The measurement of the gravity field of the moon from an orbiting satellite is examined from the points of view of requirements for geodetic and geophysical application, and physical phenomena and instrumentation to meet these requirements. It is shown that it is feasible to determine the gravity field by measuring the gravity gradient. Mathematical relations useful for data processing are stated. Examination of several principles for sensing gravity gradient leads to the recommendation of the vibrating string gradiometer as the best implementation with size, accuracy, range and versatility being in its favor. In addition the engineering status allows prototype design to begin immediately.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1964
Accession Number
AD0601824

Entities

People

  • Frank Wessbecher
  • Harold Levenstein
  • Murray J. Stateman
  • Paul H. Savet

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Altitude
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Cartesian Coordinates
  • Computational Science
  • Equations
  • Equations Of Motion
  • Geometry
  • Guidance
  • Inertial Navigation
  • Inertial Navigation Systems
  • Measurement
  • Navigation
  • New York
  • Square Roots
  • United States
  • World Geodetic System

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science / Meteorology, specifically Wind Wave Turbulence.
  • Software Engineering
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris