Timekeeping and Time Dissemination in a Distributed Space-Based Clock Ensemble

Abstract

This paper examines the timekeeping environments of several orbital and aircraft flight scenarios for application to the next generation architecture of positioning, navigation, timing, and communications. The model for timekeeping and time dissemination is illustrated by clocks onboard the International Space Station, a Molniya satellite, and a geostationary satellite. A mathematical simulator has been formulated to model aircraft flight test and satellite scenarios. In addition, a time transfer simulator integrated into the Formation Flying Testbed at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center is being developed. Real-time hardware performance parameters, environmental factors, orbital perturbations, and the effects of special and general relativity are modeled in this simulator for the testing and evaluation of timekeeping and time dissemination algorithms.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 2002
Accession Number
ADA485085

Entities

People

  • A. Gifford
  • B. Ramsey
  • J. Leitner
  • M. Moreau
  • R. A. Nelson
  • R. Burns
  • S. Francis
  • S. Stein
  • T. R. Bartholomew

Organizations

  • National Institute of Standards and Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Algorithms
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Clocks
  • Coordinate Systems
  • Detectors
  • Environment
  • Geosynchronous Orbits
  • Geosynchronous Satellites
  • Measurement
  • Navigation
  • Simulations
  • Simulators
  • Space Based
  • Space Stations
  • Spacecraft
  • Test And Evaluation

Readers

  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Technology.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers