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| Titel |
Advanced instrumentation for Solar System gravitational physics |
| VerfasserIn |
Roberto Peron, G. Bellettini, S. Berardi, A. Boni, C. Cantone, A. Coradini, D. G. Currie, S. Dellagnello, G. O. Delle Monache, E. Fiorenza, M. Garattini, V. Iafolla, N. Intaglietta, C. Lefevre, C. Lops, R. March, M. Martini, S. Nozzoli, G. Patrizi, L. Porcelli, A. Reale, F. Santoli, R. Tauraso, R. Vittori |
| Konferenz |
EGU General Assembly 2010
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| Medientyp |
Artikel
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| Sprache |
Englisch
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| Digitales Dokument |
PDF |
| Erschienen |
In: GRA - Volume 12 (2010) |
| Datensatznummer |
250042139
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| Zusammenfassung |
| The Solar System is a complex laboratory for testing gravitational physics. Indeed, its scale
and hierarchical structure make possible a wide range of tests for gravitational theories,
studying the motion of both natural and artificial objects. The usual methodology makes use
of tracking information related to the bodies, fitted by a suitable dynamical model. Different
equations of motion are provided by different theories, which can be therefore tested and
compared. Future exploration scenarios show the possibility of placing deep–space probes
near the Sun or in outer Solar System, thereby extending the available experimental data
sets.
In particular, the Earth–Moon is the most accurately known gravitational three–body
laboratory, which is undergoing a new, strong wave of research and exploration (both robotic
and manned). In addition, the benefits of a synergetic study of planetary science and
gravitational physics are of the greatest importance (as shown by the success of the
Apollo program), especially in the Earth–Moon, Mars–Phobos, Jovian and Saturnian
sub–suystems.
This scenarios open critical issues regarding the quality of the available dynamical
models, i.e. their capability of fitting data without an excessive number of empirical
hypotheses. A typical case is represented by the non–gravitational phenomena, which in
general are difficult to model. More generally, gravitation tests with Lunar Laser Ranging,
inner or outer Solar System probes and the appearance of the so–called “anomalies”(like the
one indicated by the Pioneers), whatever their real origin (either instrumental effects or due to
new physics), show the necessity of a coordinated improvement of tracking and modelization
techniques.
A common research path will be discussed, employing the development and use of
advanced instrumentation to cope with current limitations of Solar System gravitational tests.
In particular, the use of high–sensitivity accelerometers, combined with microwave and laser
tracking, will be discussed. |
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