Sensitivity Analysis of Satellite Constellations to Quantum Fluctuations in the Gravitational Field

Our research explores the sensitivity of satellite constellations to fluctuations in the quantum gravitational field, with the aim of quantifying their potential impact on critical operations and precision measurements. The main objective is to quantify the potential impact of hypothetical quantum effects on the precise orbital dynamics of satellite constellations. The methods employed will involve the development of a sophisticated computational model using MATLAB. Our model will simulate the trajectories of various satellite constellation configurations in two distinct gravitational frameworks: one based on classical general relativity and the other incorporating theoretical models of quantum gravitational fluctuations. The main task is to meticulously analyze and compare the resulting differences in key orbital parameters, including position, velocity, and orbital period, between these two scenarios. This comparative analysis is crucial in determining whether the minute stochastic perturbations resulting from quantum gravity could accumulate over time and measurably affect the performance and objectives of current and future high-precision satellite missions, such as those related to Earth observation, global navigation satellite systems (GNSSs), or space-based gravitational wave detectors. The expected results have provided essential insights into the potential need to integrate quantum gravitational corrections into very high-precision astrodynamics and will contribute significantly to ongoing theoretical and experimental efforts to unify quantum mechanics and general relativity at the macroscopic scale.