Compact, highly stable laser-optical clocks can improve future generations of satellite navigation systems and form the basis for new GNSS architectures. Combined with the optical links and control of further parameters, such as accuracy in orbit determination and atmosphere modelling, a higher accuracy in position determination on Earth can be achieved while reducing the complexity and size of the GNSS ground segments.
In that regard, the Galileo Competence Center of the German Aerospace Center (DLR-GK) and Airbus have signed a €16.8 million contract for the hosting of DLR’s COMPASSO mission on the International Space Station (ISS) Bartolomeo platform.
COMPASSO will be the first in-orbit verification of compact and highly stable laser-optical clocks. Via a bi-directional optical link, these clocks are compared to and synchronized with highly stable clocks on Earth. In addition, the optical link between the ISS and the ground station is used for assessing the influence of a