ESATechnology
   
About technology
What is technology?About ESA technology programmes
Strategy and harmonisation
About strategy and harmonisation
Generic technology programmes
Basic Technology Research Programme (TRP)General Support Technology Programme (GSTP)Technology Transfer Programme (TTP)European Components Initiative (ECI)
Technology in domain programmes
Earth Observation Envelope Programme (EOEP)Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES 3-4 and 5)Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) EvolutionTransportationHuman ExplorationScience Core Technology Programme (CTP)Mars Robotic Exploration Preparation Programme (MREP)Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP)
Services
ESA ConferencesRSS feedsContact usSubscribe
 
 
 
Bookmark and Share
 
 
 
 
Article Images
PHARAO atomic clock agreement signed by ESA and CNES
 
15 December 2009

ACES containing PHARAO
Download:
 HI-RES JPEG (Size: 1169 kb)
Schematic of ACES containing PHARAO and Space H-Maser.
An atomic clock in space will allow a new kind of Earth research: relativistic geodesy. A radio signal from the surface of a planet climbs 'uphill' through the gravitational field (out of a gravity well), so when it is received by an observer in a weaker gravitational field its wavelength is seen to be longer, as predicted by Einstein's theory of relativity. Measuring this change in wavelength can be used to map the gravity of our planet. These measurements require a timekeeper of almost unimaginable accuracy – such as ACES.

Credits: ESA - D. Ducros
 
 
Download:
 HI-RES JPEG (Size: 1028 kb)
Columbus module with ACES containing PHARAO and Space H-Maser

Credits: ESA - D. Ducros
 
 
Schematic of ACES
Download:
 HI-RES JPEG (Size: 328 kb)
Schematic of ACES

Credits: ESA - D. DUCROS
 


Columbus
Related links
International Space Station (ISS)Columbus Mission
ESA on YouTube
Columbus: ESA's 'real estate' in spaceEuropean missions to the ISS
 
 
 
   Copyright 2000 - 2011 © European Space Agency. All rights reserved.