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Improving the Accuracy of Lunar Laser Ranging Tests of Gravitational Theory: Modeling and Future Directions

Authors :
Williams, James G
Turyshev, Slava
Dickey, Jean O
Source :
Proceedings of the 2003 NASA/JPL Workshop on Fundamental Physics in Space.
Publication Year :
2003
Publisher :
United States: NASA Center for Aerospace Information (CASI), 2003.

Abstract

Accurate analysis of precision ranges to the Moon have provided several tests of gravitational theory: the equivalence principle, geodetic precession, PPN parameters beta and gamma, and the constancy of the gravitational constant G. Other possible tests include the inverse square law at 20,000 km length scales and the PPN parameter 1. The uncertainties of these tests have decreased as data accuracies have improved and data time span has lengthened. We are exploring the modeling improvements necessary to proceed from cm to mm range accuracies. Looking to future exploration, what characteristics are desired for the next generation of ranging devices, what fundamental questions can be investigated, and what are the challenges for modeling and data analysis?

Subjects

Subjects :
Geophysics

Details

Language :
English
Database :
NASA Technical Reports
Journal :
Proceedings of the 2003 NASA/JPL Workshop on Fundamental Physics in Space
Publication Type :
Report
Accession number :
edsnas.20050186670
Document Type :
Report