Spacecraft design impacts on the post-Newtonian parameter estimation

The theory of general relativity, published by Einstein in 1916 [1], finds its application not only in the astronomical sector dealing with black holes and gravitational waves, but plays a pivotal role in a multibillion dollar growth industry established around the Global Positioning System (GPS). According to Einstein, time passes for the system of 24 satellites orbiting in an altitude around 20,000 km 38 ms per day faster than on the ground. Even though 38 ms seems to be a small number, the error in navigation would accumulate within a day up to 10 km [2]. Moreover, GR is a crucial component in the search of a theory that unifies all forces. Therefore it is a valuable scientific goal to experimentally verify it to a greater extent of accuracy.