Chip scale atomic clocks (CSACs) have the potential to provide CubeSat missions with precision timekeeping capabilities to support onboard radiometric tracking, reducing dependence on ground support. This work considers a baseline orbit determination (OD) scenario for a low-Earth-orbit CubeSat, with one-way radiometric measurements made onboard using a CSAC as the timing reference. Methods for simulating and estimating a stochastic CSAC signature and a temperature-induced frequency variation are presented. Navigation and clock estimation performance are analyzed for both stochastic-only and thermally influenced CSAC signature cases. The models and methods can be extended to other orbital regimes and CubeSat applications requiring precise onboard timing.
Chip Scale Atomic Clock–Driven One-Way Radiometric Tracking for Low-Earth-Orbit CubeSat Navigation
Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets ; 58 , 1 ; 200-209
2020-10-28
10 pages
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
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