A Search for New Physics with the BEACON Mission

TL;DR

The BEACON mission aims to precisely measure space-time curvature around Earth to test and potentially extend general relativity, with unprecedented accuracy that could reveal new physics or interactions.

Contribution

This paper introduces the BEACON mission, designed to measure relativistic effects with 30,000 times greater precision than previous experiments, advancing fundamental physics tests.

Findings

Achieves 1 x 10^{-9} accuracy in measuring the Eddington parameter .

Plans to measure frame-dragging and geodetic precessions to 0.05% and 0.03% accuracy.

First measurement of gravity's non-linear effects on light at 0.01% accuracy.

Abstract

The primary objective of the Beyond Einstein Advanced Coherent Optical Network (BEACON) mission is a search for new physics beyond general relativity by measuring the curvature of relativistic space-time around Earth. This curvature is characterized by the Eddington parameter \gamma -- the most fundamental relativistic gravity parameter and a direct measure for the presence of new physical interactions. BEACON will achieve an accuracy of 1 x 10^{-9} in measuring the parameter \gamma, thereby going a factor of 30,000 beyond the present best result involving the Cassini spacecraft. Secondary mission objectives include: (i) a direct measurement of the "frame-dragging" and geodetic precessions in the Earth's rotational gravitomagnetic field, to 0.05% and 0.03% accuracy correspondingly, (ii) first measurement of gravity's non-linear effects on light and corresponding 2nd order spatial metric's effects to 0.01% accuracy. BEACON will lead to robust advances in tests of fundamental physics -- this mission could discover a violation or extension of general relativity and/or reveal the presence of an additional long range interaction in physics. BEACON will provide crucial information to separate modern scalar-tensor theories of gravity from general relativity, probe possible ways for gravity quantization, and test modern theories of cosmological evolution.