It’s an exciting time for the fields of astronomy, astrophysics, and cosmology. Scientists are making significant progress in experimentally verifying theories that have long remained untested. Among the pressing questions they are addressing are the nature of gravity, Dark Matter, and Dark Energy. For decades, scientists have been exploring the possibility of additional physics at play or a need to revise our current understanding of cosmology.
A recent paper by a team of NASA researchers proposes a mission that could potentially shed light on some of these mysteries. The proposal involves spacecraft flying in a tetrahedral formation and utilizing interferometers to search for evidence of additional physics within our Solar System. This mission could potentially solve a cosmological mystery that has eluded scientists for over half a century.
The paper was authored by Slava G. Turyshev, an adjunct professor of physics and astronomy at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and a research scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, along with Sheng-wey Chiow, an experimental physicist at NASA JPL, and Nan Yu, an adjunct professor at the University of South Carolina and a senior research scientist at NASA JPL.
Turyshev’s extensive experience includes being a member of the Gravity Recovery And Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission science team. He and his colleagues have previously investigated the potential of a mission to the Sun’s solar gravitational lens (SGL) to revolutionize astronomy.
The concept presented in the paper was awarded a Phase III grant in 2020 by NASA’s Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program, highlighting the significance of the research. Turyshev and his team believe that this mission could provide valuable insights into the mysteries of dark energy and dark matter, whose underlying causes have remained elusive since their discovery.
The proposed mission aims to investigate the Sun’s gravitational field using a series of spacecraft flying in a tetrahedral formation. By conducting differential measurements and utilizing local measurement techniques such as interferometric laser ranging and atom interferometers, the mission seeks to detect deviations from the predictions of general relativity at the Solar System scale.
If successful, this mission could significantly enhance our understanding of gravity and alternative gravitational theories. It could also pave the way for exploring additional scientific goals, such as testing gravitational waves in the micro-Hertz range and investigating aspects of the solar system like the hypothetical Planet 9.
This proposed mission represents a crucial step forward in unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos. It offers the potential to deepen our understanding of fundamental physics and reshape our current models of the universe. By venturing into the unexplored territory of the Solar System, scientists hope to gain insights that were previously unattainable through observations of larger celestial bodies and remote phenomena.
Looking ahead, the implications of this research extend beyond the realm of astrophysics. The mission’s success would confirm the value of investing in innovative exploration techniques and cutting-edge technologies. It would demonstrate the power of interdisciplinary collaboration between academia and space agencies in pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery.
Moreover, the findings from this mission could have far-reaching implications for future space exploration and the development of advanced propulsion systems. By understanding the complexities of gravity and possible additional physics at play, scientists may unlock new possibilities for propulsion technologies that could revolutionize space travel and usher in a new era of interstellar exploration.
As we eagerly await further developments in this groundbreaking mission, it is essential for the scientific community, space agencies, and policymakers to recognize the importance of supporting ambitious and visionary research endeavors. Investments in fundamental research and space exploration have the potential to yield transformative discoveries that benefit not only scientific knowledge but also the technological advancements of our society.