Prospects for a Gradiometry Mission for High-Resolution Mapping of Planetary Gravity Fields

A promising technique to greatly improve the resolution and accuracy of gravity field models for Mars and other planets and moons is planetary satellite gravity gradiometry. The first satellite gradiometer ever will fly on- board the Earth orbiting GOCE mission, to be launched in 2007. For a planetary mission, a GOCE-like gradiometer instrument is much too large and too heavy. Highly miniaturized instrumentation is a prerequisite in order to realize a planetary gradiometer mission. A novel technique for a so-called micro-gradiometer is currently being developed in the Netherlands. This micro-gradiometer is based on MEMS technology in combination with miniaturized and high-performance read-out and control electronics. This paper addresses these technological developments. A case study for Mars is shown of predicted improvements in gravity field models that are to be obtained with a micro-gradiometer mission. New gravity field models from a gradiometer mission will greatly improve our understanding of the interior of planets and of their evolution.