ACES - Getting Ready!

Paper number

IAC-18,A2,1,4,x45063

Author

Mr. Marc Peter Hess, Germany, Airbus Defence and Space

Coauthor

Mr. Thomas Niedermaier, Germany, Airbus Defence and Space

Coauthor

Dr. Klaus Gollinger, Germany, Airbus Defence and Space

Coauthor

Dr. Achim Helm, Germany, Airbus Defence and Space

Coauthor

Mr. Johannes Kehrer, Germany, Airbus Defence and Space

Coauthor

Mr. Marc-Julien Ettori, Germany, Airbus Defence and Space

Coauthor

Mr. Achim Kirchmaier, Germany, Airbus Defence and Space

Coauthor

Mrs. Martina Natalina De Parolis, The Netherlands, ESA

Coauthor

Mr. Rudolf Much, The Netherlands, European Space Agency (ESA)

Coauthor

Dr. L. Cacciapuoti, The Netherlands, European Space Agency (ESA)

Coauthor

Mr. Claudio Moratto, The Netherlands, ESA

Coauthor

Mr. Omar Sy, The Netherlands, ESA

Year

2018

Abstract

Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space (ACES) is a mission using high-performance clocks and links to test fundamental laws of physics in space. The ACES payload will be accommodated externally on the ISS Columbus laboratory. The signal generated from the on-board atomic clocks, the Projet d’Horloge Atomique par Refroidissement d’Atomes en Orbite (PHARAO) and the Space Hydrogen Maser (SHM) will be compared to worldwide distributed ground clock using the MicroWaveLink (MWL) and with the European Laser Timing (ELT) instrument.

Having completed the verification of the atomic clocks, both are integrated into the ACES payload Flight Model for system tests to prove the performance of the ACES system. Soon, environmental testing will start demonstrating flight worthiness.

We will give an outline of the present status and instrument level test results as well as an outlook on remaining activities and the preparation for on-orbit operations.

Abstract document

IAC-18,A2,1,4,x45063.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-18,A2,1,4,x45063.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.