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This experiment will be the world\u2019s first ion-based atomic clock to be flown in space with the goal of dramatically improving space-based navigation via timekeeping pieces 50 times more stable than the GPS atomic clock.<\/p>\n
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To this end, the Deep Space Atomic Clock (DSAC) is built to maintain timekeeping accuracy to within one second over 9 million years. <\/p>\n
First and foremost, this experiment seeks to demonstrate an atomic clock\u2019s operation in Low Earth Orbit to validate the functionality of the device as well as test its capabilities for future applications on deep space missions.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
See Also<\/h4>\n\n- LIVE: Falcon Heavy\/STP-2<\/li>\n
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While it might seem trivial that a spacecraft carry an atomic clock for navigation purposes, the application\u2019s benefit is made clear when its potential streamlining of navigation services are compared with current deep space probe practices.<\/p>\n
Presently, pinpointing a spacecraft\u2019s position in space and determining its precise trajectory involves sending a radio navigation beam from Earth toward the spacecraft, bouncing that radio wave off the spacecraft, and then measuring how long it takes the beam to return to Earth \u2013 a process known as radio echo. <\/p>\n
From that transit time and return direction, scientists can calculate a probe\u2019s trajectory, distance, and velocity compared to Earth and therefore gain an understanding of its trajectory through the solar system.<\/p>\n
In this manner, tracking a spacecraft through the solar system is a fundamental problem of tracking time.<\/p>\n
Enter the Deep Space Atomic Clock (DSAC).<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
While it might seem trivial that a spacecraft carry an atomic clock for navigation purposes, the application\u2019s benefit is made clear when its potential streamlining of navigation services are compared with current deep space probe practices.<\/p>\n
Presently, pinpointing a spacecraft\u2019s position in space and determining its precise trajectory involves sending a radio navigation beam from Earth toward the spacecraft, bouncing that radio wave off the spacecraft, and then measuring how long it takes the beam to return to Earth \u2013 a process known as radio echo. <\/p>\n
From that transit time and return direction, scientists can calculate a probe\u2019s trajectory, distance, and velocity compared to Earth and therefore gain an understanding of its trajectory through the solar system.<\/p>\n
In this manner, tracking a spacecraft through the solar system is a fundamental problem of tracking time.<\/p>\n
Enter the Deep Space Atomic Clock (DSAC).<\/p>\n<\/p>\n