The Laser Astrometric Test of Relativity: Science, Technology, and Mission Design

Abstract

The Laser Astrometric Test of Relativity (LATOR) experiment is designed to explore general theory of relativity in the close proximity to the Sun -- the most intense gravitational environment in the solar system. Using independent time-series of highly accurate measurements of the Shapiro time-delay (interplanetary laser ranging accurate to 3 mm at 2 AU) and interferometric astrometry (accurate to 0.01 picoradian), LATOR will measure gravitational deflection of light by the solar gravity with accuracy of 1 part in a billion -- a factor ~30,000 better than currently available. LATOR will perform series of highly-accurate tests in its search for cosmological remnants of scalar field in the solar system. We present science, technology and mission design for the LATOR mission.

arXiv comment12 pages, 4 figures. To appear in the proceedings of the International Workshop "From Quantum to Cosmos: Fundamental Physics Research in Space", 21-24 May 2006, Warrenton, Virginia, USA http://physics.jpl.nasa.gov/quantum-to-cosmos/

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• Measurements of Omega and Lambda from 42 High-Redshift Supernovae
• The Cosmological Constant and Dark Energy
• Cosmological Results from High-z Supernovae
• Can the dark energy equation-of-state parameter w be less than -1?
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• Matter-gravity couplings and Lorentz violation
• An exact Schwarzschild-like solution in a bumblebee gravity model
• Experimental Tests of General Relativity: Recent Progress and Future Directions
• Tests of Lorentz symmetry in the gravitational sector
• Tests of Gravity with Future Space-Based Experiments
• The $H_0$ tension: $\Delta G_N$ vs. $\Delta N_{\mathrm{eff}}$
• Time-delay and Doppler tests of the Lorentz symmetry of gravity
• Light-bending tests of Lorentz invariance
• Antimatter, the SME, and Gravity
• Long distance measurement using single soliton microcomb
• The Standard-Model Extension and Gravitational Tests
• The impact of the Kuiper Belt Objects and of the asteroid ring on future high-precision relativistic Solar System tests