Abstract The only direct method for observing millihertz gravitational waves uses precision coherent Doppler tracking of interplanetary spacecraft. Gravitational waves are transverse waves of gravitational potential that propagate at the speed of light. They produce dimensionless strain between separated masses and affect relative clock rates. The achievable strain sensitivities are compared to theoretical estimates of gravitational wave strains incident on the Earth. Gravitational wave search experiments with long term coverage have been performed with the Pioneer 10 and 11 spacecraft and are planned with both the Galileo (NASA) and Ulysses (ESA) spacecraft.
Gravitational wave searches with ground tracking networks
Acta Astronautica ; 17 , 5 ; 585-587
1987-05-19
3 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English