Astrod orbit simulation and accuracy of relativistic parameter determination Original Research Article

In this paper, we present our ASTROD orbit simulation with uncertainty distributions to investigate the accuracy for determination of relativistic parameters and other relevant parameters. ASTROD mission concept is to use drag-free spacecraft in solar orbits together with a constellation of Earth orbiting satellites to provide high-precision measurement of relativistic effects, better determination of the orbits of major asteroids, improvement in the measurement of G, measurement of solar angular momentum via Lense-Thirring effect and the detection of low-frequency gravitational waves and solar oscillations in a single mission. In our orbit simulation, we first establish a deterministic model and then extend it to a stochastic model. With this stochastic model, the accuracy of parameter determination for β, γ and J2 is obtained and discussed.