# Outer Solar System spacecraft without drag-free control to probe the $μ$Hz gravitational wave frontier

**Authors:** Matthew McQuinn, Casey McGrath  
**arXiv:** [2411.15072](https://arxiv.org/abs/2411.15072)  
**Date:** 2024-11-22  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/arxiv-id/2411.15072v1/

## Key points

- Paper explores detecting gravitational waves in microhertz frequency band using spacecraft in outer Solar System
- Three architectures considered for space-based interferometers:
- Two-arm configuration with three spacecraft
- Single-arm design with precise atomic clock
- Doppler tracking with outer Solar System spacecraft anchored on Earth
- Each architecture has advantages and challenges, such as sensitivity to merging supermassive black holes and power requirements
- Researchers incorporating factors like acceleration control and power needs into designs for groundbreaking discoveries in astrophysics through advanced space technology

## Summary

This paper explores the potential for detecting gravitational waves in the microhertz frequency band using spacecraft positioned in the outer Solar System. The authors consider three different architectures for these space-based interferometers: a two-arm configuration with three spacecraft, a single-arm design with a precise atomic clock, and Doppler tracking with an outer Solar System spacecraft anchored on Earth. Each architecture has its own advantages and challenges, such as sensitivity to merging supermassive black holes and power requirements. By incorporating factors like acceleration control and power needs into their designs, researchers are paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries in astrophysics through advanced space technology.