Execution and Other Details for New Space Experiment Proposed for General Relativity

TL;DR

This paper proposes a low-cost space experiment to empirically test the relativistic variation of the speed of light near massive bodies, aiming to confirm a key aspect of Einstein's General Relativity.

Contribution

It details an accessible experimental setup for space agencies and countries to verify the relativistic behavior of light speed using micro satellites during planetary or solar missions.

Findings

Design of a micro satellite-based laser experiment

Feasibility of low-cost space verification of GRT

Guidelines for international collaboration in space experiments

Abstract

Following two dictums roadmap of Einstein (one, for incorporation of maximum of empirical facts, and the other, on long continued experimental verifications for perfecting a scientific theory) for future generations to make his General Relativity Theory (GRT) evolve to perfection, it is necessary to experimentally confirm his concept on General relativistic nature of speed of light, c, which relates to the variation of c under the influence of gravitational field, and whose experimental confirmation is long overdue. This paper gives the Execution and some Additional Details for the Space Experiment Proposed for GRT, so that any of the Space research organizations (viz., NASA, ESA, ASI, ISRO, etc.) would conduct this low cost experiment, during Space missions to Mercury, Venus, or the sun, or may choose to conduct it as an independent space mission as the cost may be brought down by sending micro satellites using the launch sharing facility of any other lending country. Even an advanced country may conduct this experiment at low cost by sending a micro satellite (called a co-passenger satellite) by arranging with the Space research organization of any lending country, which is sending a primary satellite for a space mission to any of the desired locations. At present, even a small country interested in making a historic contribution for making GRT of Einstein evolve, but not having a Space research organization, may contract with an experienced organization, or hire the services of an experienced project director who * can organize the planning, procurement, and launching of a micro satellite carrying the laser device, from launch pad of another country (adopting the piggy back launching method), and * can guide (else, can hire the services of a Principal Investigator, from some renowned institute) remote operation of the laser device for a few days.