ODYSSEY: A Solar System Mission

Abstract

The Solar System Odyssey mission uses modern-day high-precision experimental techniques to test some the laws questions of fundamental physics which determine dynamics in the solar system. It could lead to a major discoveries by using demonstrated technologies and could be flown within the Cosmic Vision time frame. The mission proposes to perform a set of precision gravitation experiments from the vicinity of Earth to the outer. Its scientific objectives can be summarized as follows: (1) test of gravity force law in the Solar System up to and beyond the orbit Saturn; (2) precise investigation of navigation anomalies at the fly-bys, (3) measurement of Eddington´s parameter at occultation, (4) mapping of gravity field in the outer solar system and study of the Kuiper belt. To aim this, the Odyssey mission is built up on a main spacecraft, designed to fly up to 13 AU, with the following components: (a) a high precision accelerometer, with bias-rejection system, measuring the deviation of the trajectory from the geodesics, that is also giving gravitational forces; (b) Ka-band transponders, as for Cassini, for a precise range and Doppler measurement up to 13 AU, with additional VLBI equipment; (c) optional laser equipment, which would allow one to improve the range and Doppler measurement, resulting in particular in an improved measurement (with respect to Cassini) of the Eddington´s parameter. In this baseline concept, the main spacecraft is designed to operate beyond the Saturn orbit, up to 13 AU. It experiences multiple planetary fly-bys at Earth, Mars, or Venus, and Jupiter. The cruise and fly-by phases allow the mission to schieve its baseline scientific objectives [(1) to (3) in the above list]. In addition to this baseline concept, the Odyssey mission proposes the release of the Enigma radio-beacon at Saturn, allowing one to extend the deep space gravity test up to at least 50 AU, while achieving the scientific objective of a mapping of gravity field in the outer Solar System [(4) in the above list].