Satellite navigation and communication systems often require precise synchronization among spacecraft clocks. In the traditional method for achieving synchronization, a ground station makes time-offset measurements to the various spacecraft clocks, and then updates the time and frequency of each satellite as needed. Though straightforward in its implementation, disadvantages to the traditional approach include the large workload placed on the ground station, the need for multiple ground stations to view satellites in different geosynchronous positions, and unaccounted-for delays in atmospheric propagation. In early 1996, Milstar became the first satellite system to employ crosslinks for precise satellite time synchronization. At that time, the crystal oscillator clock onboard FLT-1, the first Milstar satellite, had its time and frequency tied (i.e., slaved) to the rubidium (Rb) atomic clock carried onboard FLT-2, the second Milstar satellite. The FLT-2 Rb atomic clock was controlled by the ground, while the slaving of FLT-l to FLT-2 was accomplished without ground intervention: all timing information required by the slaving algorithm was obtained through the FLT- 1 to FLT-2 satellite crosslink. Timekeeping capabilities of the two satellite clocks when operating independently are shown, which indicate that both clocks are performing well. Then the ground station measurements of FLT- 1 and FLT-2 timekeeping are presented that demonstrate satellite synchronization to better than 150 ns without ground intervention. As satellites are added to the Milstar constellation, crosslink slaving will minimize ground station timekeeping activities, thereby lowering system operating costs.
Precise Time Synchronization of Two Milstar Communications Satellites Without Ground Intervention
1998
11 pages
Report
No indication
English
Laboratory & Test Facility Design & Operation , Unmanned Spacecraft , Navigation satellites , Communication satellites , Control , Ground level , Measurement , Spacecraft , Clocks , Time , Costs , Wave propagation , Precision , Artificial satellites , Synchronization(Electronics) , Communication and radio systems , Workload , Intervention , Ground stations , Timing devices , Atmospheric physics , Rubidium , Atomic clocks
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