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The Deep Space Atomic Clock MissionThe Deep Space Atomic Clock (DSAC) mission will demonstrate the space flight performance of a small, low-mass, high-stability mercury-ion atomic clock with long term stability and accuracy on par with that of the Deep Space Network. The timing stability introduced by DSAC allows for a 1-Way radiometric tracking paradigm for deep space navigation, with benefits including increased tracking via utilization of the DSN's Multiple Spacecraft Per Aperture (MSPA) capability and full ground station-spacecraft view periods, more accurate radio occultation signals, decreased single-frequency measurement noise, and the possibility for fully autonomous on-board navigation. Specific examples of navigation and radio science benefits to deep space missions are highlighted through simulations of Mars orbiter and Europa flyby missions. Additionally, this paper provides an overview of the mercury-ion trap technology behind DSAC, details of and options for the upcoming 2015/2016 space demonstration, and expected on-orbit clock performance.
Document ID
20150004589
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Conference Paper
External Source(s)
Authors
Ely, Todd A.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Koch, Timothy
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Kuang, Da
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Lee, Karen
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Murphy, David
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Prestage, John
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Tjoelker, Robert
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Seubert, Jill
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
April 8, 2015
Publication Date
October 29, 2012
Subject Category
Space Communications, Spacecraft Communications, Command And Tracking
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Symposium on Space Flight Dynamics
Location: Pasadena, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: October 29, 2012
End Date: November 2, 2012
Sponsors: Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech.
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
autonomy
radiometric tracking
navigation
atomic clock

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