Using global positioning systems to test extensions of General Relativity

TL;DR

This paper evaluates the potential of the Galileo Satellite System to test and constrain various extensions of General Relativity by analyzing observable effects like frequency shifts and light delay.

Contribution

It systematically assesses the impact of multiple theoretical modifications to gravity on satellite-based measurements, providing a framework for experimental constraints.

Findings

Galileo system can detect deviations due to a Cosmological Constant.

Constraints on Pioneer-like accelerations are feasible.

Yukawa and power-law potentials produce measurable effects.

Abstract

We consider the feasibility of using the Galileo Navigation Satellite System to constrain possible extensions or modifications to General Relativity, by assessing the impact of the related additions to the Newtonian potential and comparing with the available observables: the relative frequency shift and the time delay of light propagation. We address the impact of deviations from General Relativity based on the parameterized Post-Newtonian parameters due to the presence of a Cosmological Constant, of a constant acceleration like the putative Pioneer anomaly, a Yukawa potential term due to massive scalar fields and a power-law potential term, which can arise from Ungravity or f(R) theories.