Chip scale atomic clock as reliable timing reference for small satellite applications

Abstract

A very small portion of the universe has been explored and recently, there has been a rising interest space technology research. The aim of this study is to explore ways to improve the effectiveness of CubeSats by improving its’ capability to maintain the time accuracy without human intervention and to reduce the thermal heat transfer rate. The reason for this is to reduce the effects of the constant rotation of the CubeSat around the earth which results in the constant temperature changes and the drifting effects which is caused by having the CSAC in operation for a long period of time without recalibration. GPSCon Pro and Z38XX Software would be explored on the gather data from the GPSDO-CSAC for the study on its capabilities to recalibrate without human intervention. A new packaging solution using Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI), aerogel and a metal enclosure. The respective performance of each material would then be validated with thermal tests. A preliminary analysis on the thermal radiation effects on the different quantity of layering would also be studied through simulations done with the ANSYS Mechanical software to confirm the 1D simulations that were conducted previously. From the author’s findings, the analysis of the GPSDO-CSAC shows promising results on the possibility of its implementation for use in CubeSats in the future. Both MLI and aerogel and the chosen configuration were also found to be very effective in delaying the heat transfer rate. For the simulation of the radiation effects, there is a visible trend on the quantity and configuration and the ideal sequence seems to be 4x1x4. Despite being able to study the capabilities of the GPSDO-CSAC, more research are needed to be done on the integration of it into a CubeSat Even though. MLI and aerogel were found to be effective, but more studies also have to be done to determine the best configuration. Whereas for the radiation simulation, further studies have to be conducted by taking the time domain into account due to the dynamic nature of the environment experienced by a CubeSat.