The Inverse Square Law And Newtonian Dynamics space explorer (ISLAND)

TL;DR

The ISLAND Space Explorer aims to test the gravitational inverse square law at both submillimeter and Solar System scales using a torsion pendulum and ultrasensitive accelerometers in a dedicated interplanetary probe.

Contribution

It introduces a novel experimental concept combining torsion pendulum and ultrasensitive accelerometers to test gravity at multiple scales in space.

Findings

Proposes a new experimental setup for gravitational law testing.

Designs a drag-free, attitude-controlled interplanetary probe.

Enables precise measurements of gravity at small and large scales.

Abstract

The ISLAND (Inverse Square Law And Newtonian Dynamics) Space Explorer is a new concept to test the gravitational Inverse Square Law at: (1) submillimeter scale and (2) at the largest Solar System scales (dozens of Astronomical Units --AU). The main idea is to embark a torsion pendulum at the center of gravity of a dedicated, possibly drag-free and attitude-controlled, interplanetary probe whose gravitational environment is accurately probed by, and corrected for thanks to six ultrasensitive accelerometers arranged as a cross around the torsion pendulum.