Ultra-precise clock launched into orbit
The Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space (ACES) launched on 21st April from the Kennedy Space Center. A few days later, a robotic arm installed ACES onto the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station, facing Earth. It will carry out at least 10 extended measurement sessions, of 25 days each, during its 30-month mission.
ACES will deliver the most accurate time signal ever transmitted from space, according to reports. It will connect a network of Earth-based clocks to test physics theories from orbit.
Results of experiments will have multiple applications
Commenting on the launch, Jennifer Buchli, NASA’s Chief Scientist of the International Space Station, said: “Results have applications in scientific studies and measurements the search for dark matter and fundamental physics and could contribute to improve navigation for spacecraft as well as global satellites.
“Super-precise clocks are essential on Earth for technologies such as GPS, Internet security, financial transactions and scientific research”.
The European Space Agency (ESA) said the global network of ground-based clocks connected via ACES would also enable scientists to perform clock-synchronisation experiments.
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