European TWSTFT Calibration Campaign 2014 of UTC(k) Laboratories in the Frame of Galileo FOC TGVF

F.J. Galindo, H. Esteban, A. Bauch, D. Piester, I. Sesia, J. Achkar, K. Jaldehag, C. Rieck, R. Píriz

Abstract:	During 2014 (June 5th to August 17th), a campaign intended for the calibration of the time transfer links at the nanosecond uncertainty level established via Two-Way Satellite Time and Frequency Transfer (TWSTFT) between the Galileo Precise Timing Facilities PTF1 and PTF2, and five UTC(k) laboratories associated to the Galileo Full Operational Capability Time and Geodetic Validation Facility (hereinafter referred to as UTC(k)_labs) was performed across Europe. This calibration exercise was performed coinciding with the deployment and operations (“FOC”) phase of the Galileo Program, according to the Time Validation Facility (TVF) Statement of Work, issued by the TVF industrial prime GMV, Tres Cantos, Spain. In their statements of work, all UTC(k) agreed to participate in the necessary calibration campaigns. The calibration involved a travelling TWSTFT station subcontracted to TimeTech, GmbH, Stuttgart, Germany. This paper presents part of the results, specifically those calibration results for links between these involved UTC(k) laboratories: INRIM, OP, PTB, ROA, SP. As a result of the visit of five UTC(k) laboratories (besides the two Galileo Control Centers, and the fixed station at TimeTech), after about 10000 km of distance travelled, and 600 hours of effective measurement, the calibration report includes the results of 10 time links using the site method. This paper also includes the calibration results for links between the laboratories previously mentioned and USNO (in total 4 links) using the triangle closure analysis method. For theses links new CALR values were provided, based on the triangles UTC(k)_labs ? PTB and PTB ? USNO (calibration by means of the USNO portable X-band TWSTFT station, in June 2014), respectively. The final report of this calibration campaign has been used as an example (Annex I) of the ‘TWSTFT Calibration Guidelines for the UTC Time Links (v3.0)’ (available on BIPM website, open area of CCTF WG on TWSTFT). The TGVF contract is being carried out under a programme of and funded by the European Union, and managed by ESA. The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union and/or ESA.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 47th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting January 25 - 28, 2016 Hyatt Regency Monterey Monterey, California
Pages:	243 - 257
Cite this article:	Galindo, F.J., Esteban, H., Bauch, A., Piester, D., Sesia, I., Achkar, J., Jaldehag, K., Rieck, C., Píriz, R., "European TWSTFT Calibration Campaign 2014 of UTC(k) Laboratories in the Frame of Galileo FOC TGVF," Proceedings of the 47th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting, Monterey, California, January 2016, pp. 243-257. https://doi.org/10.33012/2016.13170
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