Gravitational Physics in Space: Theory and Experiment

Description

The research program is dedicated to advancing the frontiers of gravitational physics, relativistic astrophysics, and precision navigation technologies, with a strategic emphasis on enabling transformative scientific discoveries and mission capabilities. Core research areas include:

• Gravitational and Fundamental Physics: Developing theoretical and experimental frameworks to test general relativity, alternative theories of gravity, and fundamental physical laws through high-precision measurements and advanced modeling in relativistic celestial mechanics, astrophysics, and cosmology.
• High-Precision Spacecraft Navigation: Advancing models of relativistic gravitational and non-gravitational forces, solar system dynamics, and state-of-the-art algorithms for spacecraft trajectory prediction, state reconstruction, and deep-space mission navigation.
• Optical Astrometry and Laser Metrology: Pioneering high-precision astrometry techniques and laser-based metrology systems to achieve unprecedented accuracy in ranging, tracking, and observational platforms for both near-Earth and deep-space applications.
• High-Power Laser Technologies: Developing coherent beam combination, high-power laser ranging, and power transmission systems to support advanced sensing, communication, and propulsion solutions for space missions.
• Detection and Characterization of Near-Earth and Interstellar Objects (NEOs and ISOs): Innovating optical sensor designs and synthetic tracking methodologies to identify, track, and characterize faint, fast-moving objects, enabling proactive planetary defense and interstellar science.
• Solar Gravitational Lens (SGL) Exploration: Designing mission architectures and technological frameworks for direct, high-resolution imaging and spectroscopy of exoplanets using the solar gravitational lens, providing unprecedented observational capabilities for distant planetary systems.
• Solar Sailing and High-Velocity Propulsion: Investigating advanced solar sailing concepts for achieving high-speed transit velocities, with applications for interplanetary and interstellar exploration, emphasizing scalable, low-mass propulsion solutions.
• Gravitational Microlensing and Astrophysical Observations: Exploiting gravitational microlensing to study planetary and astrophysical systems, enhancing our understanding of the distribution and properties of distant celestial objects.
• High-Precision Science with GNSS: Leveraging Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) for advanced scientific applications, including time transfer, Earth observation, and spacecraft tracking with sub-centimeter accuracy.

Location

Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Pasadena, California

Field of Science

Astrophysics

Advisors

Slava G. Turyshev
Slava.G.Turyshev@jpl.nasa.gov
818-393-2600

Eligibility

• U.S. Citizens;
• U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR);
• Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J-1 visa status;
• Applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees in the U.S. at the time of application with 1) a valid EAD card and 2) I-485 or I-589 forms in pending status

Questions

Please email npp@orau.org