Deep Space Atomic Clock (DSAC)
Atomic clocks, like those used in GPS satellites, are used to measure the distance between objects by timing how long it takes a signal to travel from Point A to Point B. For space exploration, atomic clocks must be extremely precise
Mission Type
Partners
Launch
Status
Deep Space Atomic Clock (DSAC) Overview
Launched in June 2019, NASA’s Deep Space Atomic Clock is a critical step toward enabling spacecraft to safely navigate independently in deep space rather than rely on the time-consuming process of waiting to receive directions from Earth.
Read More
Deep Space Atomic Clock
DSAC is a cross-cutting technology that has the potential
to change the “calculus” of spaceflight.
NASA’s Deep Space Atomic Clock (DSAC) project is developing a reduced-
size mercury ion atomic clock that is as stable as a ground clock, small enough to be hosted on a spacecraft, and able to operate in deep space.
DSAC Videos
The Deep Space Atomic Clock will enable a shift to a more efficient, flexible and scalable clock architecture that will benefit future navigation and radio science.
Watch Videos
DSAC Posters
What Is an Atomic Clock?
NASA’s Deep Space Atomic Clock could be the most stable atomic clock ever flown in space. But what does that mean, and what do clocks have to do with space navigation?
View the Posters
Deep Space Atomic Clock (DSAC) News
Designed to improve navigation for robotic explorers and the operation of GPS satellites, the technology demonstration reports a significant milestone.…
NASA has selected two new missions to Venus, Earth’s nearest planetary neighbor. Part of NASA’s Discovery Program, the missions aim…
As the time when NASA will begin sending humans back to the Moon draws closer, crewed trips to Mars are…
An atomic clock that could pave the way for autonomous deep space travel was successfully activated last week and is…
NASA technology demonstrations, which one day could help the agency get astronauts to Mars, and science missions, which will look…
Updated at 11:50 PDT (2:50 p.m. EDT) on June 24: The SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket launched at 11:30 p.m. PDT…
