On Some Critical Issues of the LAGEOS-Based Tests of the Lense-Thirring Effect

TL;DR

This paper critically examines the challenges and issues involved in testing the Lense-Thirring effect using LAGEOS satellites and Satellite Laser Ranging, highlighting potential limitations in current methodologies.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of the key issues affecting the accuracy and reliability of Lense-Thirring effect measurements with geodetic satellites.

Findings

Identification of critical issues in Lense-Thirring tests

Discussion of limitations in satellite tracking methods

Implications for future experimental accuracy

Abstract

We summarize some critical issues pertaining the tests of the general relativistic Lense-Thirring effect performed by I. Ciufolini and coworkers in the gravitational field of the Earth with the geodetic satellites LAGEOS and LAGEOS II tracked with the Satellite Laser Ranging technique.