Reciprocal Satellite Clock Transport - An Experimental Test of Einstein Light-Signal Synchronization

This paper proposes a satellite-based experiment to investigate physical timing relationships established by Einstein’s light-signal synchronization convention. The experiment employs synchronized satellite clocks and reciprocal clock transport between antiparallel satellite trajectories to compare assigned synchronization times with timing relationships obtained through independent local encounters. Einstein synchronization assigns the clock at a remote endpoint B the midpoint of a light signal’s round-trip interval from A to B and back to A. This establishes a consistent operational time coordinate but does not independently measure equality of outward and return propagation times. Einstein’s moving-rod analysis demonstrates that clock settings established in one inertial system do not remain applicable unchanged in another system in relative motion. Whether that disagreement represents physical relativity of simultaneity or dependence of light-interception times on detector motion is the foundational question motivating this proposal. One satellite pair establishes light-signal synchronization; a satellite travelling on an opposing trajectory transports a clock reference between the endpoints. Reciprocal trials reverse the satellite groups’ roles. Timing discrepancies are recorded alongside geometry, equipment latency, clock behavior, and environmental information. No propagation-rest structure or predicted nonnull outcome is assumed. Uncorrected observations are retained independently of subsequent transport and relativistic analyses.