Unconventional gyroscope for testing Einstein's general theory of relativity

Pugh (1959) and Schiff (1960) have reported independently the concept of testing general relativity by means of orbiting gyroscopes. In order to measure either of two effects considered, it will be necessary to employ an extremely low-drift gyroscope with a readout system accurately referenced to inertial space, and with a very high angular resolution. On the basis of an analysis of the factors limiting the experiment, it was concluded that a resolution approaching 0.001 arc-sec for a one-year mission would be possible. A description is presented of an approach for conducting the experiment, taking into account the design of the gyroscope. Attention is also given to recent progress with respect to the development of the operational device for the experiment. 17 references