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A possible experiment with two counter-orbiting drag-free satellites to obtain a new test of Einstein's general theory of relativity and improved measurements in geodesyIn 1918, Lense and Thirring calculated that a moon in orbit around a massive rotating planet would experience a nodal dragging effect due to general relativity. We describe an experiment to measure this effect by means of two counter-orbiting drag-free satellites in polar orbit about the earth. For a 2-1/2 year experiment, the measurement should approach an accuracy of 1%. An independent measurement of the geodetic precession of the orbit plane due to the motion about the sun may also be possible to about 10% accuracy. In addition to precision tracking data from existing ground stations, satellite-to-satellite Doppler data are taken at points of passing near the poles to yield an accurate measurement of the separation distance between the two satellites. New geophysical information on both earth harmonics and tidal effects is inherent in this polar ranging data.
Document ID
19770035851
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Van Patten, R. A.
(Stanford Univ. CA, United States)
Everitt, C. W. F.
(Stanford University Stanford, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1976
Publication Information
Publication: Celestial Mechanics
Volume: 13
Subject Category
Geosciences (General)
Accession Number
77A18703
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS5-21960
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-05-020-019
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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