A new device that we refer to as the spherical superconducting torsion balance has been used to search for a new force coupling mass to intrinsic spin. Our experimental approach also employs a novel spin-source geometry that allows unprecedented sensitivity in the range 100 mum10 mm at 1sigma confidence. At a range of 1 mm our most relaxed limit is g_{p};{e}g_{s}<1.5x10;{-24}.

A brief status report of an ongoing scientific case study of the Advanced Laser Interferometer Antenna (ALIA) mission is presented. Key technology requirements and primary science objectives of the mission are covered in 0264-9381/11/094012+10$33.00

ASTROD I is a planned interplanetary space mission with multiple goals. The primary aims are: to test general relativity with an improvement in sensitivity of over three orders of magnitude, improving our understanding of gravity and aiding the development of a new quantum gravity theory; to measure key solar system parameters with increased accuracy, advancing solar physics and our knowledge of the solar system; and to measure the time rate of change of the gravitational constant with an order of magnitude improvement and the anomalous Pioneer acceleration, thereby probing dark matter and dark energy gravitationally. It is an international project, with major contributions from Europe and China and is envisaged as the first in a series of ASTROD missions. ASTROD I will consist of one spacecraft carrying a telescope, four lasers, two event timers and a clock. Two-way, twowavelength laser pulse ranging will be used between the spacecraft in a solar orbit and deep space laser stations on Earth, to achieve the ASTROD I goals. A second mission, ASTROD (ASTROD II) is envisaged as a three-spacecraft mission which would test General Relativity to 1 ppb, enable detection of solar g-modes, measure the solar Lense-Thirring effect to 10 ppm, and probe gravitational waves at frequencies below the LISA bandwidth. In the third phase (ASTROD III or Super-ASTROD), larger orbits could be implemented to map the outer solar system and to probe primordial gravitational-waves at frequencies below the ASTROD II bandwidth.

Over the next decade the gravitational physics community will benefit from dramatic improvements in many technologies critical to the tests of gravity and gravitational-wave detection. The highly accurate deep space navigation, interplanetary laser ranging and communication, interferometry and metrology, high precision frequency standards, precise pointing and attitude control, together with the drag-free technologies will revolutionize the field of the experimental gravitational physics. Deep-space laser ranging will be ideal for gravitational-wave detection, and testing relativity and measuring solar-system parameter to an unprecedented accuracy. ASTROD I is such a mission with single spacecraft; it is the first step of ASTROD (Astrodynamical Space Test of Relativity using Optical Devices) with 3 spacecraft. In this paper, we will present the progress of ASTROD and ASTROD I with emphases on the acceleration noises, mission requirement, charging simulation, drag-free control and low-frequency gravitational-wave sensitivity.

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