A Model for the Pioneer Anomaly

TL;DR

This paper proposes that a non-geodesic acceleration predicted by a modified gravity theory could explain the Pioneer anomaly observed in spacecraft trajectories.

Contribution

It introduces a non-commutative deformation of General Relativity that predicts non-geodesic acceleration, potentially accounting for the Pioneer anomaly.

Findings

Non-geodesic acceleration in Matrix Gravity matches Pioneer anomaly

Modified gravity theory offers a new explanation for spacecraft acceleration

Potential implications for understanding gravitational anomalies

Abstract

In a previous work we showed that massive test particles exhibit a non-geodesic acceleration in a modified theory of gravity obtained by a non-commutative deformation of General Relativity (so-called Matrix Gravity). We propose that this non-geodesic acceleration might be the origin of the anomalous acceleration experienced by the Pioneer 10 and Pioneer 11 spacecrafts.