Radiation Tolerant Low Power Precision Time Source

The availability of small, low power atomic clocks is now a reality for ground-based and airborne navigation systems. Kernco's Low Power Precision Time Source (LPPTS) is based on Coherent Population Trapping (CPT) technology. Several of these units were recently delivered to the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Kirtland Air Force Base and have demonstrated the performance and robustness of the matured design. Since CPT technology has been demonstrated as a viable solution to providing low-power, high-performance atomic clocks, it makes sense to explore the potential for deploying these units for space operations. Size, Weight and Power (SWAP) rank among the highest of the critical parameters in the design and fabrication process of a satellite system. However, the single most critical parameter is perhaps the radiation tolerance of any electronic system. By using the LPPTS design as a point of departure, Kernco proposes to implement a radiation tolerant design of its CPT-Based Atomic Clock to satisfy the need for Low Cost, High Accuracy Timing Signals for small satellite flight opportunities. This SBIR Phase I proposal will focus on the design of a Radiation Tolerant Low Power Precision Time Source (LPPTS-R) suitable for integration into the Space Plug-and-Play Architecture (SPA).

The space-qualified LPPTS-R product can find applications in a wide range of military and commercial satellite applications. Satellite navigation and positioning, cross link ranging and communications are but a few of the functions that can be enhanced by the inclusion of a low power atomic clock.

The Kernco Radiation Tolerant Low Power Precision Time Source (LPPTS-R) is an ideal candidate for small satellite applications for space exploration and data gathering missions. The efficient Size, Weight and Power (SWAP) budget applied to this unit make the LPPTS-R uniquely qualified as the basis of a navigation and timing system for integration into the Space Plug-and-Play Architecture Satellite concept being developed by The Defense Department's Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) Office at Kirtland Air Force Base.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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