[time-nuts] Fundamental limits on performance

[Bruce Griffiths]

Mike S wrote:
> At 08:02 AM 9/13/2009, Magnus Danielson wrote...
>> Mike S wrote:
>>> Time synchronization between spacecraft might take advantage of
>>> pulsars, reducing the bandwidth used on inter-craft comm links. As
>>> frequency sources, they are as good as Rb short term, and as good as
>>> Cs long term. It should also be possible to use pulsars in a
>>> GPS-like way, for position and speed.
>>
>> I doubt it. Looks like another antenna and set of receiver electronics.
>
> http://tycho.usno.navy.mil/IAU31/sheikh.pdf
> http://www.smad.com/analysis/ESA%20XNAV.pdf
>
> There's lots more if you search around for "XNAV".
>
For an evaluation of the feasibility of using pulsars for spacecraft
navigation see:
http://www.esa.int/gsp/ACT/events/workshops/ACT-ART-Bridge2Space-Sala.pdf


Bruce