Master Clock and Time Distribution System for the NASA Deep Space Network

Abstract

NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN) consists of more than 20 antennas located at three globally spaced ground communications facilities (Goldstone, CA USA; Madrid, Spain; Canberra, Australia). Local generation and distribution of precise time and frequency reference signals comprise an essential and central component of each complex. Within each complex, synchronized timing references are required by approximately 100 users located at distances up to 30 kilometers from the central control center and station Master Clock. In this paper, a highly modular, hot-swappable, and expandable system design for generation, delivery, and synchronization of highly precise and stable timing signals over fiber-optic cables is described.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 2004
Accession Number
ADA427893

Entities

People

  • J. Lauf
  • M. Calhoun
  • P. F. Kuhnle
  • R. L. Sydnor
  • R. L. Tjoelker

Organizations

  • University of Massachusetts Amherst

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Control Systems
  • Deep Space
  • Environment
  • Fiber-Optic Cables
  • Frequency
  • Frequency Standards
  • Heart Rate
  • Jet Propulsion
  • Networks
  • Power Supplies
  • Reliability
  • Simulations
  • Space Communications
  • Spacecraft
  • Standards
  • Time Intervals
  • User Interface

Readers

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Technology.
  • Software Engineering

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites