Abstract We describe a planned experiment to obtain range and Doppler data with the Phobos 2 Lander on the surface of the Martian satellite Phobos. With the successful insertion on 29 January 1989 of Phobos 2 into Mars orbit, we anticipate that the Lander will be placed on the surface of Phobos in April 1989. Depending on the longevity of the Lander, we expect to obtain range and Doppler data for a period of from one to several years. Because these data are of value in performing solar-system tests of general relativity, we review the current accuracy of the relevant relativity tests using Deep Space Network data from the Mariner-9 orbiter of Mars in 1971 and from the Viking Landers in 1976–1982. We also discuss the expected improvement from data anticipated during the Phobos 2 Lander Mission; most important will be an improved sensitivity to any time variation in the gravitational “constant” as measured in atomic units.
Testing general relativity with Landers on the Martian satellite Phobos
Advances in Space Research ; 9 , 9 ; 71-74
1989-01-01
4 pages
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
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