Abstract

Tracking a spacecraft near the Sun provides unique opportunities to estimate gravity parameters and to test fundamental theories of physics. We develop a detailed covariance analysis of such trajectories, analyzing the uncertainty distribution of the flrst order Parameterized PostNewtonian parameters (∞ and fl) and the solar quadrupole (J2) moment based on radiometric measurements. Our analysis includes the efiect of station-location uncertainties and stochastic accelerations acting on the spacecraft. We present realistic estimates of these parameters considering both heliocentric and Mercury-centric trajectories.

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