Interplanetary Laser Tri-lateration Network: simulation with INPOP planetary ephemerides

TL;DR

This paper simulates an interplanetary laser tri-lateration network using INPOP planetary ephemerides to evaluate how different measurement configurations can enhance our understanding of planetary orbits and solar system mass distribution.

Contribution

It introduces a simulation framework for ILTN measurements within planetary ephemerides to assess their impact on orbital and mass distribution parameters.

Findings

Measurement configurations improve planetary orbit accuracy.

Enhanced data helps constrain outer solar system mass distribution.

Simulation results guide future ILTN implementation strategies.

Abstract

This study is done in the context of the project titled Interplanetary Laser Tri-lateration Network (ILTN) proposed by \cite{2018P&SS..153..127S} and investigated more in details by \cite{2022P&SS..21405415B} and \cite{2022P&SS..21505423B}. The original idea was to propose interplanetary measurements (in this case between Venus, Mars and the earth) as a way to measure the solar system expansion. But some recent interests on the measurement of asteroid masses and more generally the study of the mass distribution in the outer solar system appear with the ILTN. In this work, we are investigating how different possible configurations of interplanetary measurements of distances can be introduced in planetary ephemeris construction and how they improve our knowledge of planet orbits and other related parameters.