TITLE:
Relativistic Warning to Space Missions Aimed to Reach Phobos
AUTHORS:
Alexander P. Yefremov
KEYWORDS:
Planet, Satellite, Earth, Mars, Phobos, Acceleration, Shift, Quaternion, Relativity
JOURNAL NAME:
International Journal of Astronomy and Astrophysics,
Vol.1 No.4,
December
19,
2011
ABSTRACT: Disagreement in estimations of the observed acceleration of Phobos yields several theories empirically modifying classical description of motion of the satellite, but its orbital positions detected by Mars-aimed spacecraft differ from predictions. It is shown that the satellite’s orbital perturbations can be explained as manifestations of the relativistic time-delay effect ignored in classical models. So computed limits of Phobos’ acceleration essentially exceed the experimental values. The satellite’s expected orbital shift is calculated for the moment of contact with a landing module of the Phobos-Grunt project; the shift assessed in kilometers may prevent the mission success. Limits of the apparent relativistic accelerations are predicted for fast satellites of Jupiter.