ISS Optical Clock Hardware Development

1. ISS Optical Clock Hardware Development Objectives: Strengthen the US role in planned ESA ISS optical clock collaboration by providing a US sub-system contribution as part of the barter agreement. Partner with ESA to develop the most accurate clock in space, for fundamental physics, navigation, laser ranging, communication, and geodesy. Relevance/Impact: Improved knowledge about fundamental laws of nature. Improved technology for space science (laser ranging, geodesy) and space exploration applications (autonomous navigation, formation flying) Improved technology for applications of societal, commercial, and national security importance (navigation, time-keeping, GPS, metrology). High educational and outreach value to validate importance of ISS research and inspire the next generation. Development Approach: NASA solicit and select US science PIs from 2011 NRA (part of baseline program). Develop a NASA/ESA LOA in early FY12 to define the barter agreement. Develop, test, and deliver JPL sub-system to ESA 18-24 months before launch Assume launch in 2016 with 3 month check-out phase in Europe Routine science operations by US members in US Jet Propulsion Laboratory Optical cavity (JILA) ACES mission concept Single Yb+ (JPL) Yb Lattice (ESA) ISS Resource Requirements Project Life Cycle Schedule FP IBR 5/10/10 UEI 1