Space gravitational wave detection: Progress and outlook

Abstract

Space-based gravitational wave detection is based on the astrodynamical equations derived from gravitational theory to detect changes in distance between spacecraft/celestial bodies and/or their state changes caused by gravitational waves. The fundamental method involves using electromagnetic waves (including radio waves, microwaves, light waves, X-rays, gamma rays, etc.) for Doppler tracking and comparing to the stable frequency standards (sources) at both the transmitting and receiving ends. Examples include microwave Doppler tracking, optical clock gravitational wave detection, atom interferometry gravitational wave detection, and laser interferometry gravitational wave detection. If the frequency sources at both ends are not sufficiently stable, a generalized dual-path Michelson interferometer based on Doppler tracking combinations is needed. Currently, the main space-based gravitational wave detectors under construction or planning are laser interferometers, which cover medium frequency (0.1-10 Hz) and low-frequency (millihertz 0.1-100 mHz and microhertz 0.1-100 {\mu}Hz) gravitational wave detection bands. This article reviews the current status and prospects of these gravitational wave detection methods.