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Testing general relativity with Landers on the Martian satellite PhobosA planned experiment to obtain range and Doppler data with the Phobos 2 Lander on the surface of the Martian satellite Phobos is described. With the successful insertion on January 29, 1989 of Phobos 2 into Mars orbit, it is anticipated that the Lander will be placed on the surface of Phobos in April 1989. Depending on the longevity of the Lander, range and Doppler data for a period of from one to several years are expected. Because these data are of value in performing solar-system tests of general relativity, 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 is reviewed. The expected improvement from data anticipated during the Phobos 2 Lander Mission is also discussed; most important will be an improved sensitivity to any time variation in the gravitational 'constant' as measured in atomic units.
Document ID
19900028354
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Anderson, J. D.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Borderies, N. J.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Campbell, J. K.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Dunne, J. A.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Ellis, J.
(JPL Pasadena, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1989
Publication Information
Publication: Advances in Space Research
Volume: 9
Issue: 9 19
ISSN: 0273-1177
Subject Category
Physics (General)
Accession Number
90A15409
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-1391
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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