Relativistic Gravity Theory And Related Tests With A Mercury Orbiter Mission

Abstract

Due to its relatively large eccentricity and proximity to the Sun, Mercury's orbital motion provides one of the best solar-system tests of relativistic gravity. We emphasize the number of feasible relativistic gravity tests that can be performed within the context of the parameterized weak field and slow motion approximation - a usefulframework for testing modern gravitational theories in the solar system. We discuss a new approximation method, which includes two Eddington parameters $(\gamma,\beta)$, proposed for construction of the relativistic equations of motion of extended bodies. Within the present accuracy of radio measurements, we discuss the generalized Fermi-normal-like proper reference frame which is defined in the immediate vicinity of the extended compact bodies. Based on the Hermean-centric equations of motion of the spacecraft around the planet Mercury, we suggest a new test of the Strong Equivalence Principle. The corresponding experiment could be performed with the future {\it Mercury Orbiter} mission scheduled by the European Space Agency ({\small ESA}) for launch between 2006 and 2016. We discuss other relativistic effects including the perihelion advance, redshift and geodetic precession of the orbiter's orbital plane about Mercury.