Determination of a CHAMP gravity model based on the Newtonian equation of motion

Abstract

As the CHAMP has been launched as the first of the gravity satellites of the 2000s, its processing has been a real challenge for the geodetic community. Several methods have been developed for gravity field modelling based on different theoretical backgrounds. In this study the feasibility of the direct use of the Newtonian equation of motion has been studied. Then numerical results for 2 years of CHAMP observations are presented. Though the method failed to provide the best CHAMP-only gravity field model, it has been found to be generally feasible, and worth for using of other gravity satellite data.