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# Gravity assist as a test of relativistic gravity

S. V. Bolokhov, K. A. Bronnikov, M. V. Skvortsova

Submitted on 30 August 2022

## Abstract

We consider the gravity assist maneuver, that is, a correction of spacecraft motion at its passing near a planet, as a tool for evaluating the Eddington post-Newtonian parameters $\beta$ and $\gamma$, characterizing vacuum spherically symmetric gravitation fields in metric theories of gravity. We estimate the effect of variation in $\beta$ and $\gamma$ on a particular trajectory of a probe launched from the Earth's orbit and passing closely near Venus, where relativistic corrections slightly change the impact parameter of probe scattering in Venus's gravitational field. It is shown, in particular, that a change of ${10}^{-4}$ in $\beta$ or $\gamma$ leads to a shift of about 50 km in the probe's aphelion position.

## Preprint

Comment: 9 pages, 2 figures

Subjects: General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology; Astrophysics - Earth and Planetary Astrophysics; Physics - Space Physics