Machine Learning Algorithms for Transplanting Accelerometer Observations in Future Satellite Gravimetry Missions

authored by: Mohsen Romeshkani, Jürgen Müller, Sahar Ebadi, Alexey Kupriyanov, Annike Knabe, Nina Fletling, Manuel Schilling
Abstract: Accurate and continuous monitoring of Earth’s gravity field is essential for tracking mass redistribution processes linked to climate variability, hydrological cycles, and geodynamic phenomena. While the GRACE and GRACE Follow-On (GRACE-FO) missions have set the benchmark for satellite gravimetry using low-low satellite-to-satellite tracking (LL-SST), the precision of gravity field recovery still strongly depends on the quality of accelerometer (ACC) performance and the continuity of ACC data. Traditional electrostatic accelerometers (EA) face limitations that can hinder mission outcomes, prompting exploration of advanced sensor technologies and data recovery techniques. This study presents a systematic evaluation of accelerometer data transplantation using novel accelerometer configurations – including Cold Atom Interferometry (CAI) accelerometers and hybrid EA-CAI setups – and applying both analytical and machine learning-based methods. Using comprehensive closed-loop LL-SST simulations, we compare four scenarios ranging from the conventional EA-only setup to ideal dual hybrid configurations, with a particular focus on the performance of transplant-based approaches using different neural network approaches. Our results show that the dual hybrid configuration provides the most accurate gravity field retrieval. However, the transplant-based hybrid 2 setup – especially when supported by machine learning – emerges as a robust and cost-effective alternative, achieving comparable performance with minimal extra hardware. These findings highlight the promise of combining quantum sensor technology and data-driven transplantation for future satellite gravimetry missions, paving the way for improved global monitoring of Earth’s dynamic gravity field.
Organisation(s): Institute of Geodesy
External Organisation(s): DLR-Institute for Satellite Geodesy and Inertial Sensing
Type: Preprint
No. of pages: 29
Publication date: 05.08.2025
Publication status: E-pub ahead of print
ASJC Scopus subject areas: Aerospace Engineering
Research Area (based on ÖFOS 2012): Satellite geodesy
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2508.03522 (Access: Open)
: Details in the research portal "Research@Leibniz University"

BibTeX

@techreport{15f137d70cce433081d6735424a486b7,
title = "Machine Learning Algorithms for Transplanting Accelerometer Observations in Future Satellite Gravimetry Missions",
abstract = "Accurate and continuous monitoring of Earth{\textquoteright}s gravity field is essential for tracking mass redistribution processes linked to climate variability, hydrological cycles, and geodynamic phenomena. While the GRACE and GRACE Follow-On (GRACE-FO) missions have set the benchmark for satellite gravimetry using low-low satellite-to-satellite tracking (LL-SST), the precision of gravity field recovery still strongly depends on the quality of accelerometer (ACC) performance and the continuity of ACC data. Traditional electrostatic accelerometers (EA) face limitations that can hinder mission outcomes, prompting exploration of advanced sensor technologies and data recovery techniques. This study presents a systematic evaluation of accelerometer data transplantation using novel accelerometer configurations – including Cold Atom Interferometry (CAI) accelerometers and hybrid EA-CAI setups – and applying both analytical and machine learning-based methods. Using comprehensive closed-loop LL-SST simulations, we compare four scenarios ranging from the conventional EA-only setup to ideal dual hybrid configurations, with a particular focus on the performance of transplant-based approaches using different neural network approaches. Our results show that the dual hybrid configuration provides the most accurate gravity field retrieval. However, the transplant-based hybrid 2 setup – especially when supported by machine learning – emerges as a robust and cost-effective alternative, achieving comparable performance with minimal extra hardware. These findings highlight the promise of combining quantum sensor technology and data-driven transplantation for future satellite gravimetry missions, paving the way for improved global monitoring of Earth{\textquoteright}s dynamic gravity field.",
keywords = "satellite gravimetry, Quantum Sensors, Machine Learning (ML), Instrument Noise Modeling, Future Gravity Missions, Satellitengravimetrie, Quantensensoren, Machine Learning, Intrumentenrauschen, Hybride Datentransition, Zuk{\"u}nftige Gravimetriemissionen",
author = "Mohsen Romeshkani and J{\"u}rgen M{\"u}ller and Sahar Ebadi and Alexey Kupriyanov and Annike Knabe and Nina Fletling and Manuel Schilling",
year = "2025",
month = aug,
day = "5",
doi = "10.48550/arXiv.2508.03522",
language = "English",
type = "WorkingPaper",
}