Autonomous Synchronization of Satellite Constellations via Optical Inter-Satellite Links

Abstract

In this paper we present an on-board clock steering scheme for achieving tight synchronization of constellations interconnected with optical inter-satellite links. Thanks to the links, a distributed space-based clock ensemble can be formed, with a clock steering system on each satellite providing a physical local realization of the system time. An analytical method for determining the synchronization performance is derived.