Atomic Clock Research for the Space Environment

Atomic clock research at The Aerospace Corporation focuses on basic atomic physics in support of critical space technologies such as timekeeping for GNSS and communications. GNSS play pivotal roles throughout modern society's infrastructure, and clock stability in space can significantly impact the signals necessary for safe and reliable navigation and positioning. For secure communications, technology such as spread spectrum telecom is dependent on accurate and relatively unchanging timekeeping signals and frequency references. Many of our fundamental research investigations directly impact these technologies as they evolve in commercial space systems. Here, we offer an introduction to The Aerospace Corporation with an overview of our laboratory's basic physics research capabilities and their impact. Several clock physics investigations are addressed and described in context with satellite-based timekeeping, which supports present and future space missions.