Advancing Inter-Spacecraft Laser Interferometry (B04)

• Subject Area: Geodesy, Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing, Geoinformatics, Cartography
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 434617780

In a first test in space at GRACE-FO, the inter-satellite optical interferometer Laser Ranging Interferometer (LRI) has shown to be a huge success and to be the designated primary measurement principle in future missions. This project aims at building on the invaluable experience in designing, testing and operating the LRI to further enhance the functionality, performance, and reliability of future instruments. This project will include both design studies and simulations as well as experiments with prototypes of the selected equipment.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1464: Relativistic and quantum-based geodesy (TerraQ)
• Major Instrumentation: 2 CCD Sensor
• Applicant Institution: Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover
• Co-Applicant Institution: Universität Bremen
• Project Heads: Dr.-Ing. Jens Grosse; Professor Dr. Gerhard Heinzel