Constraining some r−n extra-potentials in modified gravity models with LAGEOS-type laser-ranged geodetic satellites

Abstract

We focus on several models of modified gravity which share the characteristic of leading to perturbations of the Newtonian potential ∝ K2 r−2 and ∝ K3 r−3. In particular, by using existing long data records of the LAGEOS satellites, tracked on an almost continuous basis with the Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) technique, we set preliminary constraints on the free parameters K2, K3 in a model-independent, phenomenological way. We obtain |K2|≲ 2.1× 106 m4 s−2, −2.5× 1012 m5 s−2≲ K3 ≲ 4.1× 1012 m5 s−2. They are several orders of magnitude tighter than corresponding bounds existing in the literature inferred with different techniques and in other astronomical and astrophysical scenarios. Then, we specialize them to the different parameters characterizing the various models considered. The availability of SLR data records of increasing length and accuracy will allow to further refine and strengthen the present results.