A theoretical analysis of a relativity mission with two counter-orbiting drag-free satellites

An experiment designed to accurately measure a dynamic effect of the general theory of relativity employs two counter-orbiting drag-free satellites in nearly identical circular, polar orbits at an altitude of 800 km. This configuration distinguishes between the non-relativistic perturbations (which produce opposite effects on the satellites) and the relativistic Lense-Thirring effect (which drags the ascending nodes of both of the satellites eastward at a rate of 6 meters/year). Satellite-to-satellite Doppler ranging measurements are made as the satellites pass each other near the earth's poles. Smoothing these measurements gives the relative orbital perturbations to millimeter precision. Ground tracking over the entire orbital paths gives the node locations to 10 centimeter precision for a 2.5 year experiment. The two satellite experiment provides a mechanism for distinguishing the relativistic effect from the nonrelativistic effects.