Univ. Bremen Prof. C. Lämmerzahl | Science, Astronomy and Exploratory Missions (S2, compulsory, 3 ECTS) |
Learning Outcomes: | |
Knowledge and Understanding: | Participants are able to discuss science cases for space and exploration missions, measurement schemes and payload as well as technology requirements on payload and mission. |
Applying Knowledge and Understanding: | |
Prerequisites | Basic courses in Physics on mechanics, electrodynamics, quantum mechanics. |
Program | Introduction to completed and planned space missions are given. Examples are (i) Gravity Probe A for testing the gravitational redshift, (ii) Gravity Probe B for testing the gravitomagnetic Schiff effect, (iii) LAGEOS for geodesy and test of the Lense-Thirring effect, (iv) Cassini for Saturn exploration and testing the gravitational time delay, (v) Pioneer for planetary exploration and testing the gravitational field in the Solar system, (vi) MICROSCOPE for testing the Equivalence Principle, (vii) LISA for searching for gravitational waves and the technology mission LISA pathfinder, (viii) GRACE and GRACE-FO for satellite based geodesy, (ix) ACES on the ISS for testing relativity and establishing space-based metrology, (x) further missions testing Special and General Relativity using quantum optics, (xi) asteroid and comet missions HAYABUSA and Rosetta, (xii) the cosmology missions COBE, WMAP, and Planck measuring the cosmic microwave background, (xiii) and X-ray astrophysics missions like XMM Newton and eRosita, and (xiv) also the missions Hubble and JWST. For each mission the requirements on the payload technology, spacecraft technology, and on the mission scenario will be derived. |
Description of how the course is conducted | |
Description of the didactic methods | |
Description of the evaluation methods | |
Adopted Textbooks | A list of references will be provided at the start of the semester. |
Recommended readings |