Satellite Laser-Ranging as a Probe of Fundamental Physics

Sci Rep. 2019 Nov 4;9(1):15881. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-52183-9.

Abstract

Satellite laser-ranging is successfully used in space geodesy, geodynamics and Earth sciences; and to test fundamental physics and specific features of General Relativity. We present a confirmation to approximately one part in a billion of the fundamental weak equivalence principle ("uniqueness of free fall") in the Earth's gravitational field, obtained with three laser-ranged satellites, at previously untested range and with previously untested materials. The weak equivalence principle is at the foundation of General Relativity and of most gravitational theories.