Deflection of Spacecraft Trajectories as a New Test of General Relativity
Abstract
We derive a simple formula which gives the general relativistic deflection of a spacecraft, idealized as a point mass, for all values of the asymptotic speed V∞ \(0<=V∞<=1\). Using this formula we suggest a new test of general relativity (GR) which can be carried out during a proposed interstellar mission that involves a close pass of the Sun. We show that, with foreseeable improvements in spacecraft tracking sensitivity, the deflection of a spacecraft's trajectory in the gravitational field of the Sun could provide a new test of GR.
- Publication:
-
Physical Review Letters
- Pub Date:
- April 2001
- DOI:
- 10.1103/PhysRevLett.86.2942
- Bibcode:
- 2001PhRvL..86.2942L