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Performance assessment of multiple LRI1B products for GRACE-FO time-variable gravity field recovery.

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Title: Performance assessment of multiple LRI1B products for GRACE-FO time-variable gravity field recovery.
Authors: Zhang, Jiahui1 (AUTHOR), Tu, Rui1 (AUTHOR) turui-2004@126.com, You, Wei2 (AUTHOR), Zhang, Pengfei1 (AUTHOR)
Source: Advances in Space Research. Aug2026, Vol. 78 Issue 3, p2154-2167. 14p.
Subjects: Laser interferometers, Gravitational fields, Gravity anomalies, Data integrity, Satellite geodesy, White noise theory, Artificial satellites
Abstract: The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-on (GRACE-FO) satellites carry a novel technology demonstration instrument, the laser ranging interferometer (LRI), parallel to the microwave interferometer (MWI) for inter satellite ranging. As critical geometric observations for capturing the Earth gravity field variation, the quality of monthly gravity field solutions and the characterization of residual sub-monthly signals are significantly influenced by the performance of the LRI Level-1B (LRI1B) data products. Currently, multiple versions of LRI1B products are independently processed and released by the Albert Einstein Institute (AEI), the Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and the Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU). Here, we examine the performance of multiple LRI1B datasets on GRACE-FO time-variable gravity field recovery through data cross comparison, monthly LRI-based gravity solutions, and post-fit residuals from January 2019 to June 2023. All LRI1B data products maintain high data availability of ∼85%. Direct cross comparisons reveal that the JPL v04 product presents systematically higher noise within the high frequency band exceeding 0.1 Hz. As for monthly gravity field solutions, spectral and geospatial analyses demonstrate that all four gravity solutions are consistent with GRACE-FO Science Data System (SDS) products, achieving comparable noise levels with an average open ocean root mean square of 3.06 cm and signal recovery correlations of ∼0.99 for annual mass variations. However, significant divergences are identified in the post-fit range rate and range acceleration residuals. With the low frequency component excluded, the JPL solution exhibits a noise floor of 4 × 10−10 m/s2 for range acceleration residuals, whereas the AEI, HUST, and SYSU solutions maintain noise levels below 2 × 10−10 m/s2. While the high frequency noise does not degrade monthly solutions, it presents a potential limitation for the extraction of subtle sub-monthly geophysical signals. These findings provide a scientific basis for data product selection and laser data processing strategies for the future mission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Engineering Source
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Abstract:The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-on (GRACE-FO) satellites carry a novel technology demonstration instrument, the laser ranging interferometer (LRI), parallel to the microwave interferometer (MWI) for inter satellite ranging. As critical geometric observations for capturing the Earth gravity field variation, the quality of monthly gravity field solutions and the characterization of residual sub-monthly signals are significantly influenced by the performance of the LRI Level-1B (LRI1B) data products. Currently, multiple versions of LRI1B products are independently processed and released by the Albert Einstein Institute (AEI), the Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and the Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU). Here, we examine the performance of multiple LRI1B datasets on GRACE-FO time-variable gravity field recovery through data cross comparison, monthly LRI-based gravity solutions, and post-fit residuals from January 2019 to June 2023. All LRI1B data products maintain high data availability of ∼85%. Direct cross comparisons reveal that the JPL v04 product presents systematically higher noise within the high frequency band exceeding 0.1 Hz. As for monthly gravity field solutions, spectral and geospatial analyses demonstrate that all four gravity solutions are consistent with GRACE-FO Science Data System (SDS) products, achieving comparable noise levels with an average open ocean root mean square of 3.06 cm and signal recovery correlations of ∼0.99 for annual mass variations. However, significant divergences are identified in the post-fit range rate and range acceleration residuals. With the low frequency component excluded, the JPL solution exhibits a noise floor of 4 × 10−10 m/s2 for range acceleration residuals, whereas the AEI, HUST, and SYSU solutions maintain noise levels below 2 × 10−10 m/s2. While the high frequency noise does not degrade monthly solutions, it presents a potential limitation for the extraction of subtle sub-monthly geophysical signals. These findings provide a scientific basis for data product selection and laser data processing strategies for the future mission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:02731177
DOI:10.1016/j.asr.2026.05.030