Simulation of the Tianwen-4 Mission Contribution to Jupiter Gravity Field Improvement

Abstract

This study comprehensively evaluates the impact of the expected Chinese Tianwen-4 mission, in conjunction with the existing data from the Juno mission, on enhancing the understanding of Jupiter’s gravity field. Integrating simulated data from both missions. The methodology incorporates detailed simulations of Tianwen-4’s orbit, assessing its influence on Jupiter’s gravity field estimations across various orbital inclinations. It also explores the integration of multimission tracking data, combining simulated Juno and Tianwen-4 data. In addition to the static gravity coefficient, the analysis extends to include the tidal effect knm, which quantifies the tidal response of Jupiter’s gravity field to forcing it by the Galilean satellites. The results indicate clear potential improvements in the precision of the gravity field models compared to those derived from the Juno mission alone, particularly in the lower degree harmonics, where accuracy improves by an average factor of 20.08 in the first 12°, gradually decreasing to 2.46, with an overall enhancement of 7.43. These enhancements underscore the value of integrating data from multiple missions, which provides a more nuanced understanding of Jupiter’s gravitational properties. Improving the gravity field model is essential for gaining deeper insights into Jupiter’s internal structure and dynamics, which ultimately enhances our understanding of giant planets and their formation. Accurate gravity models are crucial for interpreting a planet’s physical and chemical properties, leading to better comprehension of planetary systems.