Next Generation Planetary Missions Hunt for Gravitational Waves

In summary, a new study suggests that upcoming spacecraft missions to Uranus and Neptune could potentially detect gravitational waves using radio signals from far-reaching probes. The study proposes using the Doppler effect in the telemetry signal to measure changes in distance between free-floating objects, similar to how the LIGO sensor operates. However, due to the longer distance, the probe would only be able to detect low-frequency waves with periods comparable to the travel time of light. It is important to note that these missions will be unmanned and not manned by a crew.
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TL;DR Summary
Next-generation planetary missions could hunt for gravitational waves, say astronomers
Spacecraft heading to Uranus and Neptune in the next decade could be used to investigate gravitational waves as they venture into the outer Solar System. That is according to a new study by a team of Swiss and Danish researchers, who say that examination of the radio signals from far-flung probes might reveal the signature of these subtle ripples in the fabric of space-time as they roll across our planetary neighbourhood (arXiv: 2101.11975). https://physicsworld.com/a/next-generation-planetary-missions-could-hunt-for-gravitational-waves-say-astronomers/10.02.2021.
If you were one of the crew on this mission, how would you explain in your report what a gravitational wave is and what measuring instrument is available on your ship to track that wave?
 
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Gravitational waves passing through a region can cause the distance between free-floating objects to change. The Earth is a free-floating object, and so would be a space probe. As far as I can see at a fairly quick glance, they're proposing using Doppler in the telemetry signal from a probe to detect changes in distance (or changes in the rate of change of distance, more precisely, since the probe wouldn't be at rest) to detect such changes.

This isn't in principle different from what the LIGO sensor does. That hangs a couple of objects in an evacuated tube and uses interferometry to detect changes in the distance between the objects. In this case, the distance from one object to the other would be much, much larger, so it it potentially more sensitive to lower energy waves. However, it also means that it could only detect very low frequency waves because of the length of time it takes a radio signal to traverse the distance from here to a probe. It'll only detect waves that have periods comparable to the travel time of the light - a lot lower than the tenth-of-a-second period waves LIGO detects.

Just to be clear, there are not going to be crews on these missions. They're talking about unmanned probes.
 

1. What are gravitational waves and why are they important for planetary missions?

Gravitational waves are ripples in the fabric of space-time caused by the acceleration of massive objects. They were predicted by Einstein's theory of general relativity and their detection can provide valuable insights into the nature of the universe. For planetary missions, gravitational waves can help us study the formation and evolution of planets and their surrounding environments.

2. How are gravitational waves detected during planetary missions?

Gravitational waves can be detected using a variety of methods, such as laser interferometry, pulsar timing arrays, and space-based detectors. These methods involve precise measurements of the distortions caused by gravitational waves on the fabric of space-time.

3. What is the goal of the Next Generation Planetary Missions Hunt for Gravitational Waves?

The goal of this mission is to develop and launch advanced technologies and instruments that can detect and study gravitational waves in the context of planetary missions. This will allow us to gain a deeper understanding of the universe and its components, including planets and their environments.

4. How will the Next Generation Planetary Missions Hunt for Gravitational Waves benefit our understanding of the universe?

The mission will provide valuable data and insights into the formation and evolution of planets, as well as the dynamics of their surrounding environments. It will also help us test and refine our understanding of general relativity and the nature of gravity.

5. What challenges are involved in the Next Generation Planetary Missions Hunt for Gravitational Waves?

One of the main challenges is developing sensitive and accurate instruments that can detect and measure the faint distortions caused by gravitational waves. This requires advanced technologies and precise engineering. Additionally, the mission will face logistical and financial challenges in terms of launch and operation costs.

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