STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT AND STATE OF ENGINEERING OF GRAVITY GRADIOMETERS FOR MOVING OBJECTS. (Review)

The main steps of creating the gravity gradiometers for the measurement of inhomogineasly of gravitational fields on different mobile carriers, including in conditions of space, are considered on the basis of the analysis of the open literature. The role of these devices in modern science and technology is described. There are the basic physical principles which allowed to create devices that are actually used at the moment. The basic parameters of these devices characterizing their quality are also described. The aim of this study is to establish the basic problems that have to be solved to create these instruments, as well as obstacles to their widespread adoption in the various areas of science and technology and to formulate the basic tendencies and state of development at the moment. It is shown that the existing devices are too expensive, heavy and massive to be used widely on the Earth and in space. Here is described the desire of developers to create more simple, reliable and low-budget devices, which primarily intended for using in micro satellites is described here. It is concluded that the development of gravity gradiometer based on micromechanical and electromechanical technologies currently can not overcome the problems associated with noises inherent such instruments. This study in some ways is the rationale for the following work of authors, which sets out the principles of the new gravity gradiometer, which may help to solve some of the problems are described here.