Estimating radiative momentum transfer through a thermal analysis of the Pioneer Anomaly

TL;DR

This paper presents a thermal analysis methodology using point-like sources to estimate the acceleration of Pioneer probes caused by thermal effects, supporting the thermal origin hypothesis of the Pioneer anomaly.

Contribution

It introduces a new thermal modeling approach with sensitivity analysis to reliably estimate thermal acceleration effects on spacecraft.

Findings

Thermal effects can account for the Pioneer anomaly.

The methodology provides a reliable estimate of thermal acceleration.

Sensitivity analysis identifies key parameters influencing thermal acceleration.

Abstract

A methodology based on point-like sources is discussed, enabling a reliable estimate of the acceleration of the Pioneer 10 and 11 probes caused by thermal effects. A sensitivity analysis of the several parameters of the model allows for a clear indication of the possible thermal origin of the so-called Pioneer anomaly.