Finding the origin of the Pioneer anomaly

Abstract

Analysis of the radio tracking data from the Pioneer 10/11 spacecraft at distances between 20- 70 AU from the Sun has consistently indicated the presence of an anomalous, small Doppler frequency drift. The drift can be interpreted as being due to a constant acceleration of aP = (8.74 ± 1.33) × 10 −8 cm/s 2 directed towards the Sun. (A factor of 0.90 × 10 −8 cm/s 2 came from bias estimation). Although it is suspected that there is a systematic origin to the effect, none has been found. As a result, the nature of this anomaly has become of growing interest. We have developed a concept for a deep-space mission that would reveal the origin of the discovered anomaly. A number of critical requirements and design considerations for such a mission are outlined and addressed. The concept requires no significant technology development; the mission could be flown as early as in