Rubidium Atomic Clock for Galileo

A. Jeanmaire, P. Rochat, F. Emma

Abstract:	The overall performance of navigation payloads is dependent on the performance of the onboard clocks. Better stability leads directly to improved space segment autonomy and simplified ground segment operation. The European Space Agency supports the development of advanced atomic clocks in the frame of its Technology Demonstration Program and more recently under the GNSS-2 program. Two major activities are currently running with the aim fully space+ qualifying a Rubidium Atomic Frequency Standard (RAFS) and a Space Hydrogen Maser (SHM). The development activity for the Rubidium clocks is driven by the following major design goals: - Mass < 1Kg - Short-term Stability (100s) < 5x10^-13, flicker floor & 5x10^-14 * Volume < 1 ltr Special emphasis has been placed on reliability for a 10-year mission. This article presents the status of the rubidium development program and focuses on the significant design goals and results obtained to date.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 31th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting December 7 - 9, 1999 Marriott's Laguna Cliffs Resort Dana Point, California
Pages:	627 - 636
Cite this article:	Jeanmaire, A., Rochat, P., Emma, F., "Rubidium Atomic Clock for Galileo," Proceedings of the 31th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting, Dana Point, California, December 1999, pp. 627-636.
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