Material and surface properties of LARES satellite.

Paper number

IAC-12,C2,4,16.p1,x15305

Author

Prof. Antonio Paolozzi, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Italy

Coauthor

Prof. Ignazio Ciufolini, Università del Salento, Italy

Coauthor

Prof. Ferdinando Felli, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Italy

Coauthor

Dr. Cristian Vendittozzi, Sapienza Università di Roma, Italy

Year

2012

Abstract

LARES (LAser RElativity Satellite) is a passive satellite put in orbit by the VEGA launcher the past 13th of February 2012. It is designed for the accurate test of frame-dragginf and Lense-Thirring effect. This phenomenon is induced by the Earth rotation that according to Einstein  General Relativity drags space-time and consequently the trajectory of orbiting objects. 
In order to reach the expected results of few percent accuracy in the measurement of that effect, some restrictive scientific requirements have been imposed with regard to the material to be used for the satellite body (SB) and to the surface properties of the SB itself, giving special attention to the density of the SB (higher than 17900 kg/m$^3$ ). 
Furthermore to reduce interaction with the magnetic field of Earth some upper limit to, the electrical conductivity  of the alloy was specified. 
All those aspects along with some considerations on the manufacturing challenges of LARES will be reported. Finally the different methods evaluated for the finishing of the SB, so as to satisfy the scientific requirements such as the infrared emissivity ($\varepsilon$) and the solar absorbivity ($\alpha$) of the surface will be analyzed.

Abstract document

IAC-12,C2,4,16.p1,x15305.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-12,C2,4,16.p1,x15305.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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