Experimental Efforts in Space for Fundamental Physics Tests

Abstract

Tests of fundamental concepts and theories in physics are more and more based on space experiments. Along many studies, various satellite experiments have been proposed and some already been carried out. Fundamental physics experiments usually have to be performed with very high accuracy. It is evident that the sensitivity of measuring devices and the sensing resolution increase if the experiments can be performed under conditions of free fall, that is, under conditions of weightlessness. Although in many precision experiments on Earth gravitation might have a negligible influence and seismic noise is either irrelevant or at least can be shielded sufficiently enough, the more accurate the measuring devices are, the more terrestrial influences become the dominant disturbing effect. More than that, many experiments need an interaction–free environment and the absence of any linear or rotational acceleration. It indicates, that it might be of great advantage to perform precision experiments in space.