The Deep Space Atomic Clock (DSAC) mission will demonstrate the on-orbit performance of a high-accuracy, high-stability miniaturized mercury ion atomic clock during a year-long experiment in Low Earth Orbit. DSAC's timing error requirement provides the frequency stability necessary to perform deep space navigation based solely on one-way radiometric tracking data. Compared to a two-way tracking paradigm, DSAC-enabled one-way tracking will benefit navigation and radio science by increasing the quantity and quality of tracking data. Additionally, DSAC also enables fully-autonomous onboard navigation useful for time-sensitive situations. The technology behind the mercury ion atomic clock and a DSAC mission overview are presented. Example deep space applications of DSAC, including navigation of a Mars orbiter and Europa flyby gravity science, highlight the benefits of DSAC-enabled one-way Doppler tracking.


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    Title :

    The Deep Space Atomic Clock: Ushering in a New Paradigm for Radio Navigation and Science


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    AAS/AIAA Spaceflight Mechanics Meeting ; 2013 ; Kauai, HI, United States


    Publication date :

    2013-02-10


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




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