Ultra-stable crystal and rubidium oscillators for space applications

This paper identifies the needs for space qualified frequency sources and presents two products manufactured by Tekelec Neuchatel Time SA (TNT) in this field. The first is a Rubidium Atomic Frequency Standard (RAFS) which is currently being developed for GNSS-2 program. This is a ultra-stable compact rubidium atomic clock based upon the magnetron technology also used in the Radioastron Rubidium Ultra-Stable Oscillator (RUSO). The second is the master oscillator (MO), designed for Long Duration Space Applications. It is a miniature, temperature stabilised, high-performance crystal oscillator. The MO was developed under GSTP program and one EQM MO successfully passed a space qualification. Flight models of this MO are now available.