Precise Time and Astrometry

Abstract

The Precise Timing and Astrometry (PTA) project funds research and development of improvements for the U.S. Master Clock (MC) System, the DoD Time Transfer capability, the Earth Orientation System, and the Astrometric Observation System. The MC System and Time Transfer provides precise time for use in modern military and National Technical Means (NTM) navigation, guidance, positioning, and tracking systems. The Earth Orientation System provides precise Earth Orientation Parameters for use by the DoD and the national civilian infrastructure to establish the specific orientation of the Earth and to provide input to the terrestrial reference frame. The Astrometric Observation System provides the basic data needed to generate the Celestial Reference Frame (CRF) which is the standard for calibrating all inertial navigation systems, satellite orbits, and earth rotation determinations. Improvement to the MC System, Time Transfer, Earth Orientation, and Astrometric Observation Systems are needed to ensure that new and upgraded DoD and NTM capabilities meet their performance requirements. By DoD Directive, the U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO), Washington, D.C., is responsible for coordinating Precise Time and Time Interval (PTTI) requirements and for maintaining a PTTI reference standard (astronomical and atomic) for use by all DoD, Federal agencies, and related scientific laboratories.

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Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2019
Source ID
2344_0603207N_4_1319_PB_2019

Tags

Readers

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics.
  • Defense Financial Management and Audit.
  • Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Technology.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris
  • Space - Satellites

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