Abstract
We present the scientific motivation for future space tests of the equivalence principle, and in particular the universality of free fall, at the 10− 17 level or better. Two possible mission scenarios, one based on quantum technologies, the other on electrostatic accelerometers, that could reach that goal are briefly discussed. This publication is a White Paper written in the context of the Voyage 2050 ESA Call for White Papers.
Highlights
Einstein’s theory of general relativity (GR) is a cornerstone of our current description of the physical world
We present the scientific motivation for future space tests of the equivalence principle, and in particular the universality of free fall, at the 10−17 level or better
Open questions remain within the Standard Model (SM), it is clearly the most compelling model for fundamental interactions at the microscopic level that we have at present
Summary
Our best knowledge of the physical Universe, at the deepest fundamental level, is based on two theories: Quantum Mechanics (or, more precisely, Quantum Field Theory) and the classical theory of General Relativity. Quantum Field Theory has been extremely successful in providing an understanding of the observed phenomena of atomic, particle, and high energy physics and has allowed a coherent description of three of the four fundamental interactions that are known to us: electromagnetic, weak and strong interactions (the fourth one being gravitation). It is used to understand the flow of time in the presence of gravity, the motion of bodies from satellites to galaxy clusters, the propagation of electromagnetic waves in the vicinity of massive bodies, the generation and propagation of gravitational waves, the evolution of stars, and the dynamics of the Universe as a whole. An important challenge is to test the EEP with the best possible accuracy This is the main motivation of many experiments in fundamental physics, both on Earth and in space. The implementation of tests with significantly improved sensitivity obviously requires the use of state-of-the-art technology, and in case of satellite-based experiments the challenge is to make such technology compatible with use in space, i.e. extremely robust, reliable, and automatized
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