The Astrometric Gravitation Probe (AGP) is a concept of space mission aimed at tests of Fundamental Physics in the Solar system, using Fizeau interferometry and coronagraphy techniques to implement differential astrometry among superposed stellar fields. The main goal is verification of the General Relativity (GR) and competing gravitation theories in the weak field of the Solar System by high precision measurement of the light deflection in the vicinity of the Sun at < 10−7 and of the main and minor planet dynamics at the microarcsec/year level. The AGP payload concept is based on a single main telescope (1.15 m diameter) implementing a multi-aperture Fizeau interferometer, for simultaneous observation of four regions close to the Solar limb and in opposition; coronagraphic techniques are applied on the elementary sub-apertures. The star displacement due to light deflection is derived by differential astrometry on images taken in different deflection conditions (e.g. ON and OFF). The instrument design is focused on systematic error control through multiple field simultaneous observation and calibration. The metrology system requirements related to the science goals are discussed, and the technical aspects of possible implementations are investigated. The potential benefit of auto-collimation and cophasing techniques derives from monitoring comparably large sections of the optical system common to the stellar beams. The performance at microarcsec level is verified by simulation.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Metrology for AGP — Astrometric Gravitation Probe


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    2015-06-01


    Size :

    191503 byte




    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



    Gravitation experiment payloads for non-dedicated space missions: report of the Columbus metrology and gravitation science team

    Spallicci, A. / Brillet, A. / Busca, G. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1996


    Wide angle astrometric demonstration on the micro-arcsecond metrology testbed for the space interferometry mission

    Goullioud, R. / Shen, T.-P. J. / Catanzarite, J. H. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2004


    Astrometric and Photometric Performance of the Astrometric Interferometer Satellite DIVA

    Bastian, U. / Scholz, R.-D. | British Library Online Contents | 1997


    Astrometric Satellite with Sunshield

    Hoeg, E. | British Library Online Contents | 1995


    Masses of Astrometric Binaries

    Martin, C. / Mignard, F. | British Library Online Contents | 1997