Advancing Navigation, Timing, and Science with the Deep Space Atomic Clock

Ely, Todd A.; Seubert, Jill; Bell, Julia

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NASA NTRS · 20160008206

Advancing Navigation, Timing, and Science with the Deep Space Atomic Clock

Ely, Todd A.·Seubert, Jill·Bell, Julia

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Abstract

NASA's Deep Space Atomic Clock mission is developing a small, highly stable mercury ion atomic clock with an Allan deviation of at most 1e-14 at one day, and with current estimates near 3e-15. This stability enables one-way radiometric tracking data with accuracy equivalent to and, in certain conditions, better than current two-way deep space tracking data; allowing a shift to a more efficient and flexible one-way deep space navigation architecture. DSAC-enabled one-way tracking will benefit navigation and radio science by increasing the quantity and quality of tracking data. Additionally, DSAC would be a key component to fully-autonomous onboard radio navigation useful for time-sensitive situations. Potential deep space applications of DSAC are presented, including orbit determination of a Mars orbiter and gravity science on a Europa flyby mission.

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BibTeX RIS

Ely, Todd A., Seubert, Jill, Bell, Julia. 2014-05-05. Advancing Navigation, Timing, and Science with the Deep Space Atomic Clock. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20160008206

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