Galileo Galilei” (GG) a small satellite to test the equivalence principle of Galileo, Newton and Einstein
Nobili, Anna M ; Comandi, Gian Luca ; Doravari, Suresh ; et al. ; - ASI Sponsor
Jan - 2009
ISSN : 09226435 ;
journal : Experimental Astronomy

Issue : 2
type: Article Journal

Abstract
Galileo Galilei (GG) is a small satellite designed to fly in low Earth orbit with the goal of testing the Equivalence Principlewhich is at the basis of the General Theory of Relativityto 1 part in 10 17 . If successful, it would improve current laboratory results by 4 orders of magnitude. A confirmation would strongly constrain theories; proof of violation is believed to lead to a scientific revolution. The experiment design allows it to be carried out at ambient temperature inside a small 1-axis stabilized satellite (250 kg total mass). GG is under investigation at Phase A-2 level by ASI (Agenzia Spaziale Italiana) at Thales Alenia Space in Torino, while a laboratory prototype (known as GGG) is operational at INFN laboratories in Pisa, supported by INFN (Istituto Nazionale di fisica Nucleare) and ASI. A final study report will be published in 2009.

keywords : physics astronomy