MICROSCOPE instrument description and validation

Abstract This paper focuses on the dedicated accelerometers developed for MICROSCOPE mission taking into account specific range of acceleration to be measured board satellite. Considering one micro-g and even less as full instrument with an objective femto-g resolution, that leads a customized concept high-performance electronics sensing servo-actuations accelerometer test-masses. performance directed payload development plan. In addition very accurate geometrical sensor core, high architecture provides measurement weak electrostatic forces torques applied A set capacitive detectors delivers position attitude test-mass respect steady gold-coated cage made in silica. The voltages electrodes surrounding each are finely controlled generate adequate electrical field so pressures test-mass. maintains motionless structure. Digital control laws implemented order enable operation flexibility detector noise. These provide both scientific data MICROSCOPE’s test equivalence principle input satellite drag-free system.