Kaula's linear orbit perturbation theory describes the variation of the Keplerian elements with respect to a variable gravity field in a linear setting. Kaula's theory has been applied on range rate changes between two satellites by Wang and Hwang (2006). Their results provide the opportunity to compute the impact of any gravity field variations on range rate measurements between a pair of GRACE-like satellites. Based on this we can evaluate the sensitivity of range rate measurements with respect to given gravity perturbations, as well as estimate a full covariance matrix. This can be done for varies satellite orbits, e.g. cartwheel orbits. Here a comparison between results of this linear perturbation approach with outcomes of real GRACE data analyses is presented. Furthermore, results of a range rate sensitivity analysis for different satellite orbits are given.

---

Petrick, C. (2009): Sensitivity analysis of satellite gravity missions by application of the linear perturbation theory. Abstracts, Geodätische Woche (Karlsruhe 2009), 31.