Atomic Clocks for Space: Basic Physics Research at The Aerospace Corporation

摘要

Atomic clock research at The Aerospace Corporation focuses on basic atomic physics in support of critical spacetechnologies such as timekeeping for GNSS and communications. GPS and other GNSS play pivotal roles throughoutmodern society’s infrastructure, and clock stability in space can significantly impact the signals necessary for safe andreliable navigation and positioning. For secure communications, technology such as spread spectrum telecom isdependent on accurate and relatively unchanging timekeeping signals and frequency references. Many of ourfundamental research investigations directly impact these technologies as they evolve in commercial space systems. Inthis presentation, we offer an introduction to The Aerospace Corporation with an overview of our laboratory’s basicphysics research capabilities and their impact. Several clock physics investigations will be addressed and described incontext with satellite-based timekeeping, which supports present and future space missions.