Time Maintenance of User Clocks via the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System

Abstract

During the 1980's, all NASA-supported low earth orbital spacecraft will be supported by the Tracking Data and Relay Satellite System (TDRSS), User spacecraft will have the capability of time-tagging science and house-keeping data on board the spacecraft. This activity requires that the on-board time scale be relatable to a standard time scale such as Universal Time Coordinated (UTC). A system is described which uses the TDRSS itself to compare the user satellite clock with a clock at the White Sands station that is referenced to UTC. No command of the spacecraft by the system is required, and actual on-board clock corrections are made by the spacecraft control center at its discretion.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1982
Accession Number
ADA497651

Entities

People

  • Gary Whitworth
  • J. W. Mcintyre
  • R. E. Downs

Organizations

  • Johns Hopkins University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Clocks
  • Communication Systems
  • Computers
  • Doppler Effect
  • Frequency
  • Ground Based
  • Ground Stations
  • Measurement
  • Microsecond Time
  • Precision
  • Processing Equipment
  • Range Finding
  • Simulations
  • Spacecraft
  • Standards
  • Time Intervals

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Technology.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites