
The Solar System Odyssey mission uses modern-day high-precision experimental techniques to test the laws of fundamental physics which determine dynamics in the solar system. It could lead to major discoveries by using demonstrated technologies. The mission proposes to perform a set of precision gravitation experiments from the vicinity of Earth to the outer Solar System. Its scientific objectives can be summarized as follows: i) test of the gravity force law in the Solar System up to and beyond the orbit of Saturn; ii) precise investigation of navigation anomalies at the fly-bys; iii) measurement of Eddington's parameter at occultations; iv) mapping of gravity field in the outer solar system and study of the Kuiper belt. To this aim, the Odyssey mission is built up on a main spacecraft, designed to fly up to 13 AU, with the following components: a) a high-precision accelerometer, with bias-rejection system, measuring the deviation of the trajectory from the geodesics; b) Ka-band transponders, as for Cassini, for a precise range and Doppler measurement up to 13 AU, with additional VLBI equipment; c) optional laser equipment, which would allow one to improve the range and Doppler measurement. In this baseline concept, the main spacecraft is designed to operate beyond the Saturn orbit, up to 13 AU. It experiences multiple planetary fly-bys at Earth, Mars or Venus, and Jupiter. The cruise and fly-by phases allow the mission to achieve its baseline scientific objectives (i) to iii) in the above list). In addition to this baseline concept, the Odyssey mission proposes the release of the Enigma radio-beacon at Saturn, allowing one to extend the deep space gravity test up to at least 50 AU, while achieving the scientific objective of a mapping of gravity field in the outer Solar System.
revision with Experimental Astronomy Referee comments, correction of typographic errors, add of bibliographic reference, modification of authors list,
Post-Einsteinian tests, Gravity, Acceleration, FOS: Physical sciences, General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology (gr-qc), Astronomy & Astrophysics, 530, General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology, Kuiper belt, Relativity, Celestial mechanics, Principle, Astronomical And Space Sciences, General-relativity, Science & Technology, Energy, [PHYS.GRQC] Physics [physics]/General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology [gr-qc], Matter, Pioneer 10/11, 620, Supernovae, Physical Sciences, [PHYS.GRQC]Physics [physics]/General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology [gr-qc], Occultations, Gravitation
Post-Einsteinian tests, Gravity, Acceleration, FOS: Physical sciences, General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology (gr-qc), Astronomy & Astrophysics, 530, General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology, Kuiper belt, Relativity, Celestial mechanics, Principle, Astronomical And Space Sciences, General-relativity, Science & Technology, Energy, [PHYS.GRQC] Physics [physics]/General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology [gr-qc], Matter, Pioneer 10/11, 620, Supernovae, Physical Sciences, [PHYS.GRQC]Physics [physics]/General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology [gr-qc], Occultations, Gravitation
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 48 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Top 10% | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% |
