Contribution of PRIDE VLBI products to the joint JUICE-Europa Clipper moons’ ephemerides solution

• DOI: 10.1016/j.icarus.2024.116101
• Publication Date: 2024-04-25T16:35:49Z
• Authors: M.S. Fayolle; D. Dirkx; G. Cimo; L.I. Gurvits; V. Lainey; P.N.A.M. Visser
• Keywords: Ephemeris; Very-long-baseline interferometry

In the coming decade, JUICE and Europa Clipper radio-science will yield most accurate estimation to date of Galilean moons' physical parameters ephemerides. JUICE's PRIDE (Planetary Radio Interferometry Doppler Experiment) help achieve such a solution by providing VLBI (Very Long Baseline Interferometry) observations spacecraft's lateral position, complementing nominal measurements. this paper, we quantify how can contribute ephemerides determination, in terms attainable improvement validation opportunities. To end, simulated data for JUICE, but also investigated possibility perform simultaneous tracking Clipper, thus ultimately generating both single- dual-spacecraft VLBI. We considered various quality scenarios types, compared formal uncertainties provided covariance analyses with without These were performed global local (i.e. per-flyby) estimations states, as eventually achieving first requires proceeding arc-per-arc. showed that multi-spacecraft measurements only bring limited state estimation, significantly normal points states at flyby times), notably out-of-plane direction. Additionally, designed plan exploiting progressively validate classical solution, whose robustness statistical realism is sensitive modelling inconsistencies. By improving offering opportunities, be invaluable overcoming possible dynamical challenges. It therefore play key role reconstructing dynamics uncertainty levels promised JUICE-Europa analyses. This, turn, critical characterisation tidal dissipation Jovian system, holding long-term evolution moons.