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Fundamental Physics and Chemistry Space Science in the Twenty-First Century -- Imperatives for the Decades 1995 to 2015 (1988) / Chapter Skim
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4. Current Space Research in Gravitation
Pages 26-29

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From page 26...
... , and the search for long-period gravitational radiation by tracking Galileo and Ulysses are described In subsequent chapters. LUNAR RANGING The optical retroreflector packages placed on the lunar surface by the Apollo Il.
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From page 27...
... Lunar range data also complement planetary distance measurements by helping to tie down some of the classical parameters needed in order to test relativistic predictions. ANALYSIS OF PLANETARY AND [UNA11 MOTION AI1 important phase of present research in gravitational physics is the analysis of spacecraft tracking data, lunar laser ranging data, and planetary radar measurements in order to determine the dynamics of the solar system.
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From page 28...
... Striking progress has been made in the last few years by analyzing tracking data for the Viking Lander and Orbiter spacecraft, in combination with tracking data for other spacecraft, lunar ranging data, planetary radar data, and other solar system information. One advantage of combined solutions using all available data is that the time base for the observations extends over a longer period than for individual spacecraft missions.
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From page 29...
... More intensive programs of radar distance measurements to Mercury that make use of repeatedly observed "closure points" to reduce uncertainties from planetary topography would be valuable in providing improved tests of gravitation, as would increased accuracy for multiple-station lunar laser range measurements.
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Key Terms

  • distance measurements
  • tracking data
  • range data
  • lunar laser
  • lunar range

  • ranging data
  • planetary radar
  • spacecraft tracking
  • laser range
  • gravitational physics

  • radar measurements
  • radar distance
  • reduce uncertainties
  • sensitive test
  • tracking galileo

  • improved accuracy
  • viking mission
  • ongoing research
  • gyro experiment
  • highly accurate

  • equivalence experiment
  • packages placed
  • subsequent chapters
  • earth obeys
  • repeatedly observed

  • planetary topography
  • regular observations
  • orbit parameters
  • newtonian gravitational
  • substantial improvements


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