Current prospects for ASTROD Inertial Sensor
Abstract
The Astrodynamical Space Test of Relativity using Optical Devices (ASTROD) is a multi-purpose relativity mission concept. ASTROD's scientific goals are the measurement of relativistic and solar system parameters to unprecedented precision, and the detection and observation of low-frequency gravitational waves to frequencies down to 5×10-6 Hz. To accomplish its goals, ASTROD will employ a constellation of drag-free satellites, aiming for a residual acceleration noise of (0.3-1)× 10-15 m s-2 Hz-1/2 at 0.1 mHz. Noise sources and strategies for improving present acceleration noise levels are reported.
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