Current prospects for ASTROD Inertial Sensor

The Astrodynamical Space Test of Relativity using Optical Devices (ASTROD) is a multi-purpose relativity mission concept. ASTROD’s scientific goals are the measurement of relativistic and solar system parameters to unprecedented precision, and the detection and observation of low-frequency gravitational waves to frequencies down to $5\times {10}^{-6}$ Hz. To accomplish its goals, ASTROD will employ a constellation of drag-free satellites, aiming for a residual acceleration noise of (0.3-1)$\times$ 10${}^{-15}$ m s${}^{-2}$ Hz${}^{-1\mathrm{/}2}$ at 0.1 mHz. Noise sources and strategies for improving present acceleration noise levels are reported.