LATOR Covariance Analysis

Abstract

We present results from a covariance study for the proposed Laser Astrometric Test of Relativity (LATOR) mission. This mission would send two laser-transmitter spacecraft behind the Sun and measure the relative gravitational light bending of their signals using a hundred-meter-baseline optical interferometer to be constructed on the International Space Station. We assume that each spacecraft is equipped with a $<1.9\times 10^{-13}\mathrm{m}{\mathrm{s}}^2{\mathrm{Hz}}^{-1/2}$ drag-free system and assume approximately one year of data. We conclude that the observations allow a simultaneous determination of the orbit parameters of the spacecraft and of the Parametrized Post-Newtonian (PPN) parameter $\gamma$ with an uncertainty of $2.4\times 10^{-9}$. We also find a $6\times 10^{-9}$ determination of the solar quadrupole moment, $J_2$, as well as the first measurement of the second-order post-PPN parameter $\delta$ to an accuracy of about $10^{-3}$.

arXiv comment9 pages, 3 figures. first revision: minor changes to results. Second revision: additional discussion of orbit modelling and LATOR drag-free system requirement feasibility. Added references to tables I and V (which list PPN parameter uncertainties), removed word from sentence in Section III. 3rd revision: removed 2 incorrect text fragments (referring to impact parameter as distance of closest approach) and reference to upcoming publication of ref. 2, removed spurious gamma from eq. 1 - Last error is still in cqg published version

References in corpus (4)

• Progress in Lunar Laser Ranging Tests of Relativistic Gravity
• The Laser Astrometric Test of Relativity (LATOR) Mission
• The Laser Astrometric Test of Relativity Mission
• Experimental Design for the LATOR Mission

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