Testing the gravitational interaction in the field of the Earth via satellite laser ranging and the Laser Ranged Satellites Experiment (LARASE)

Journal
Date Issued
2015
Author(s)
•
Anselmo, L.
•
Bassan, M.
•
Pardini, C.
•
•
Pucacco, G.
•
DOI
Abstract
In this work, the Laser Ranged Satellites Experiment (LARASE) is presented. This is a research program that aims to perform new refined tests and measurements of gravitation in the field of the Earth in the weak field and slow motion (WFSM) limit of general relativity (GR). For this objective we use the free available data relative to geodetic passive satellite lasers tracked from a network of ground stations by means of the satellite laser ranging (SLR) technique. After a brief introduction to GR and its WFSM limit, which aims to contextualize the physical background of the tests and measurements that LARASE will carry out, we focus on the current limits of validation of GR and on current constraints on the alternative theories of gravity that have been obtained with the precise SLR measurements of the two LAGEOS satellites performed so far. Afterward, we present the scientific goals of LARASE in terms of upcoming measurements and tests of relativistic physics. Finally, we introduce our activities and we give a number of new results regarding the improvements to the modelling of both gravitational and non-gravitational perturbations to the orbit of the satellites. These activities are a needed prerequisite to improve the forthcoming new measurements of gravitation. An innovation with respect to the past is the specialization of the models to the LARES satellite, especially for what concerns the modelling of its spin evolution, the neutral drag perturbation and the impact of Earth's solid tides on the satellite orbit.
Volume
32
Issue
15
Start page
155012
Uri
Url
Issn Identifier
0264-9381
Ads BibCode
2015CQGra..32o5012L
Rights
open.access
File(s)
Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Name

24042-Lucchesi_2015_P01.pdf

Description
Miur
Size

7.9 MB

Format

Adobe PDF

Checksum (MD5)

5b1c09d345e0047b27dced42c5d02989

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Name

LARASE_cqg_Lucchesi_etal_rev.pdf

Description
postprint
Size

16.42 MB

Format

Adobe PDF

Checksum (MD5)

d829dfbe1eb77f7f80440219d9fce610