No Arabic abstract
The laws of gravitation have been tested for a long time with steadily improving precision, leading at some moment of time to paradigmatic evolutions. Pursuing this continual effort is of great importance for science. In this communication, we focus on Solar System tests of gravity and more precisely on possible tests that can be performed with radio science observations (Range and Doppler). After briefly reviewing the current tests of gravitation at Solar System scales, we give motivations to continue such experiments. In order to obtain signature and estimate the amplitude of anomalous signals that could show up in radio science observables because of modified gravitational laws, we developed a new software that simulates Range/Doppler signals. We present this new tool that simulates radio science observables directly from the space-time metric. We apply this tool to the Cassini mission during its cruise from Jupiter to Saturn and derive constraints on the parameters entering alternative theories of gravity beyond the standard Parametrized Post Newtonian theory.
In this communication, we show how asteroids observations from the Gaia mission can be used to perform local tests of General Relativity (GR). This ESA mission, launched in December 2013, will observe --in addition to the stars-- a large number of small Solar System Objects (SSOs) with unprecedented astrometric precision. Indeed, it is expected that about 360,000 asteroids will be observed with a nominal sub-mas precision. Here, we show how these observations can be used to constrain some extensions to General Relativity. We present results of SSOs simulations that take into account the time sequences over 5 years and geometry of the observations that are particular to Gaia. We present a sensitivity study on various GR extensions and dynamical parameters including: the Sun quadrupolar moment $J_2$, the parametrized post-Newtonian parameter $beta$, the Nordtvedt parameter $eta$, the fifth force formalism, the Lense-Thirring effect, a temporal variation of the gravitational parameter $GM_textrm{sun}$ (a linear variation as well as a periodic variation), the Standard Model Extension formalism,... Some implications for planetary ephemerides analysis are also briefly discussed.
In this communication, the current tests of gravitation available at Solar System scales are recalled. These tests rely mainly on two frameworks: the PPN framework and the search for a fifth force. Some motivations are given to look for deviations from General Relativity in other frameworks than the two extensively considered. A recent analysis of Cassini data in a MOND framework is presented. Furthermore, possibilities to constrain Standard Model Extension parameters using Solar System data are developed.
A unique test of general relativity is possible with the space radio telescope RadioAstron. The ultra-stable on-board hydrogen maser frequency standard and the highly eccentric orbit make RadioAstron an ideal instrument for probing the gravitational redshift effect. Large gravitational potential variation, occurring on the time scale of $sim$24 hr, causes large variation of the on-board H-maser clock rate, which can be detected via comparison with frequency standards installed at various ground radio astronomical observatories. The experiment requires specific on-board hardware operating modes and support from ground radio telescopes capable of tracking the spacecraft continuously and equipped with 8.4 or 15 GHz receivers. Our preliminary estimates show that $sim$30 hr of the space radio telescopes observational time are required to reach $sim 2times10^{-5}$ accuracy in the test, which would constitute a factor of 10 improvement over the currently achieved best result.
The recent discovery of dark energy has challenged Einsteins general theory of relativity as a complete model for our macroscopic universe. From a theoretical view, the challenge is even stronger: general relativity clearly does not extend to the very small, where quantum mechanics holds sway. Fundamental physics models thus require some major revisions. We must explore deeper to both constrain and inspire this needed new physics. In the realm of the solar-system, we can effectively probe for small deviations from the predictions of general relativity: Technology now offers a wide range of opportunities to pursue experiments with accuracies orders of magnitude better than yet achieved. We describe both the relevant theoretical backgrounds and the opportunities for far more accurate solar system experiments.
The increasing precision of spacecraft radiometric tracking data experienced in the last number of years, coupled with the huge amount of data collected and the long baselines of the available datasets, has made the direct observation of Solar System dynamics possible, and in particular relativistic effects, through the measurement of some key parameters as the post-Newtonian parameters, the Nordtvedt parameter eta and the graviton mass. In this work we investigate the potentialities of the datasets provided by the most promising past, present and future interplanetary missions to draw a realistic picture of the knowledge that can be reached in the next 10-15 years. To this aim, we update the semi-analytical model originally developed for the BepiColombo mission, to take into account planet-planet relativistic interactions and eccentricity-induced effects and validate it against well-established numerical models to assess the precision of the retrieval of the parameters of interest. Before the analysis of the results we give a review of some of the hypotheses and constrained analysis schemes that have been proposed until now to overcome geometrical weaknessess and model degeneracies, proving that these strategies introduce model inconsistencies. Finally we apply our semi-analytical model to perform a covariance analysis on three samples of interplanetary missions: 1) those for which data are available now (e.g. Cassini, MESSENGER, MRO, Juno), 2) in the next years (BepiColombo) and 3) still to be launched as JUICE and VERITAS (this latter is waiting for the approval).