Result of the MICROSCOPE weak equivalence principle test

The space mission MICROSCOPE dedicated to the test of the equivalence principle (EP) operated from April 25, 2016 until the deactivation of the satellite on October 16, 2018. In this analysis we compare the free-fall accelerations (a _A and a _B) of two test masses in terms of the Eötvös parameter η ( A,B ) = 2 a A − a B a...

Interplanetary laser ranging: Analysis for implementation in planetary science missions

Measurements of the motion of natural (and artificial) bodies in the solar system provide key input on their interior structre and properties. Currently, the most accurate measurements of solar system dynamics are performed using radiometric tracking systems on planetary missions, providing range measurement with an accuracy in the order of 1 m....