The ACES mission: scientific objectives and present status

L. Cacciapuoti; N. Dimarcq; C. Salomon

doi:10.1117/12.2308164

21 November 2017 The ACES mission: scientific objectives and present status

L. Cacciapuoti, N. Dimarcq, C. Salomon

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Proceedings Volume 10567, International Conference on Space Optics — ICSO 2006; 105673Y (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2308164
Event: International Conference on Space Optics 2006, 2006, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Abstract

“Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space” (ACES) is a mission in fundamental physics that will operate a new generation of atomic clocks in the microgravity environment of the International Space Station (ISS). The ACES clock signal will combine the medium term frequency stability of a space hydrogen maser (SHM) and the long term stability and accuracy of a frequency standard based on cold cesium atoms (PHARAO). Fractional frequency stability and accuracy of few parts in 10¹⁶ will be achieved. The on-board time base distributed on Earth via a microwave link (MWL) will be used to test fundamental laws of physics (Einstein’s theories of Special and General Relativity, Standard Model Extension, string theories…) and to develop applications in time and frequency metrology, universal time scales, global positioning and navigation, geodesy and gravimetry.

After a general overview on the mission concept and its scientific objectives, the present status of ACES instruments and sub-systems will be discussed.

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L. Cacciapuoti, N. Dimarcq, and C. Salomon "The ACES mission: scientific objectives and present status", Proc. SPIE 10567, International Conference on Space Optics — ICSO 2006, 105673Y (21 November 2017); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2308164

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