Space Clocks - Why They're Different

Abstract

Atomic clocks for use in operational satellites such as GPS and MILSTAR are a breed apart from their terrestrial cousins. Like most space electronic packages, clocks will seem to be a generation behind the technology used in other applications. The reasons for this include the need for high reliability parts, radiation hardness, and mechanical design. Other key drivers in the designs include zero gravity, unattended operation, limited monitoring bandwidth, and limits on weight size and power. Clocks used in short-term space experiments can be closer in design to ground clocks, but are generally not usable for operational systems without extensive modifications.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2002
Accession Number
ADA483840

Entities

People

  • Joe White
  • Ronald Beard

Organizations

  • United States Naval Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Atomic Clocks
  • Circuits
  • Clocks
  • Environment
  • Frequency
  • Frequency Shift
  • Global Positioning Systems
  • Manufacturing
  • Production
  • Radiation
  • Reliability
  • Space Stations
  • Space Systems
  • Spacecraft
  • Standards
  • Vehicles

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Educational Psychology
  • Integrated Circuit Design and Technology.
  • Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Technology.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Space
  • Space - Satellites