Space-Borne Ultra Low Noise Clock and Ground-Space optical clock time transfer for VBLI telescope and High Precision Clock Enabled Astrophysics

We propose the development of an Ultra-high stability space-borne and space qualified clock and clock synchronization system for science applications, that meets a few parts per trillion (1E-14) relative stability over short time intervals of 0.1 to 20 seconds. LISA laser will be the low noise reference laser, it is then locked to a self-referenced optical comb to transfer 1E-14 precision from optical frequency to 100MHz RF frequency for instrumentation use. Mission concepts warranting this technology to be addressed in this proposed project: Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) between an orbiting and a ground telescope; and exquisite time transfer for position, navigation, time (PNT) services as an alternative to Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). The proposed implementation is the only space-borne small SWaP source that meets the VLBI requirements. The space qualified LISA laser also enables the satellite to satellite tracking for mass change missions for earth and lunar measurement, and space qualified self-referenced optical comb reference laser locking enables ground to space optical clock time transfer to achieve 1E-18 relative frequency error for all other science and PNT missions.

The near-term goal will serve the VLBI Event Horizon science and prove the timing precision and stability needed for PNT. The long-term goal of this effort will be: 1) pursue the space-based optical clock with ground to space time transfer to achieve 1E-18 relative frequency error to enable fundamental physics measurements; 2) enable improved NAV/Comm services required by the exploration and science communities; 3) ensure GSFC stands at the forefront of the ever-improving clock and frequency discipline.

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