Historical Review of Atomic Frequency Standards Used in Space Systems - 10 Year Update

Abstract

A 1996 paper estimated "that the total number of space-borne atomic frequency standards (AFS) is no more than several hundred" [1, p. 24]. The number of atomic frequency standards in space was dominated by the GPS, GLONASS, and Milstar satellite constellations. In this paper, we present an update to the historical review of the AFSs used in space systems. We will briefly review the systems existing in 1996, and add the newer systems (Galileo, GPS IIR and IIF, GLONASS-M, Cassini-Huygens, AEHF, and QZSS) and potential space systems (PARCS, PHARAO, Beidou) using atomic frequency standards. We have estimated that there have been a total of 452 atomic frequency standards launched into orbit for use on communications and scientific payloads. We conclude the paper with a review of the 1996 predictions for future AFSs and discuss the future as seen in 2006.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2007
Accession Number
ADA474184

Entities

People

  • Joseph White
  • Leo A. Mallette
  • Pascal Rochat

Organizations

  • Boeing Satellite Development Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Atomic Beam Masers
  • Atomic Clocks
  • Earth Orbits
  • Frequency
  • Frequency Standards
  • Global Navigation Satellite Systems
  • Global Positioning Systems
  • Laser Diodes
  • Navigation
  • Navigation Satellites
  • Orbits
  • Radio Frequency
  • Satellite Navigation Systems
  • Space Systems
  • Standards
  • Time Intervals

Readers

  • Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Technology.
  • Theoretical Analysis.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites