Using the Deep Space Atomic Clock for Navigation and Science

IEEE Trans Ultrason Ferroelectr Freq Control. 2018 Jun;65(6):950-961. doi: 10.1109/TUFFC.2018.2808269.

Abstract

Routine use of one-way radiometric tracking for deep space navigation and radio science is not possible today because spacecraft frequency and time references that use state-of-the-art ultrastable oscillators introduce errors from their intrinsic drift and instability on timescales past 100 s. The Deep Space Atomic Clock (DSAC), currently under development as a NASA Technology Demonstration Mission, is an advanced prototype of a space-flight suitable, mercury-ion atomic clock that can provide an unprecedented frequency and time stability in a space-qualified clock. Indeed, the ground-based results of the DSAC space demonstration unit have already achieved an Allan deviation of at one day; space performance on this order will enable the use of one-way radiometric signals for deep space navigation and radio science.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.