A need to return to space project SEE for measuring G and its possible variations

Abstract

The SEE (Satellite Energy Exchange) mission was suggested and designed under NASA Project in 1992–2002 to make extremely accurate measurements on fundamental gravitation by observing the orbital perturbation of unconstrained orbiting test bodies in a femto-g to atto-g environment. The mission uses novel and original test body dynamics. Its broad objective is to support the development of gravity theory and its unification with other interactions by carrying out sensitive gravitational tests capable of discriminating among alternative theories. The SEE mission introduced and utilized new technology for near-zero-g environment creation, passive cryogenic temperature control, passive station-keeping capability, and non-contact sub-micron-accuracy distance measurements, all of which promise to have a wide variety of applications.