Abstract
The cold atom space clock PHARAO [1] (Projet d’Horloge Atomique a Refroidissement d’Atomes en Orbite) is a key element of the European space mission ACES [2] (Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space). In addition to this clock, the ACES payload, managed by ESA, includes an H-maser developed by Observatoire Cantonal de Neuchatel and a microwave two way time transfer link. The H-maser will be used as a stable frequency reference for mid term duration to evaluate the PHARAO performances in microgravity. The expected time resolution for the time transfer link is 10 ps per day. The first objective of the ACES mission is to study the cold atom clock operation, with a goal of a 10−16 accuracy. The second one is to perform fundamental metrology by comparing the clock signal with ground clocks via the two way link. The third one is to perform fundamental physics tests such as a new measurement of the gravitational red shift and a contribution to a search of variation of fundamental physical constants.
© 2007 IEEE
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