Relativistic Transformations for Time Synchronization and Dissemination in the Solar System

Robert A. Nelson, Todd A. Ely

Abstract:	The measurement of time is an essential aspect of navigation. The Global Positioning System (GPS) is comprised of a constellation of satellites that transmit one-way pseudorandom noise (PRN) coded signals used for range and time measurements. The signals are referenced to onboard atomic clocks. The GPS provides a model for position determination with a precision of a few meters and time dissemination with a precision of about 10 nanoseconds. The mathematical algorithms used in the GPS receiver require the application of the principles of general relativity. Similar models will be needed for high-precision navigation in the solar system. The adoption of an appropriate coordinate system and time scale is required. This paper outlines the fundamental concepts of relativistic time transfer and describes the details of the mathematical model. The approximate magnitudes of various relativistic effects for clocks onboard the GPS satellites, other satellites in Earth orbit, and a clock on the surface of Mars or on the Moon are derived.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 38th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting December 7 - 9, 2006 Hyatt Regency Reston Town Center Reston, Virginia
Pages:	305 - 317
Cite this article:	Nelson, Robert A., Ely, Todd A., "Relativistic Transformations for Time Synchronization and Dissemination in the Solar System," Proceedings of the 38th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting, Reston, Virginia, December 2006, pp. 305-317.
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