Temperature control method and verification for spaceborne atomic clock based on phase change technology

Abstract

The spaceborne atomic clock, as the time reference for navigation signal generation and system ranging, is the core component of the satellite system payload, and temperature stability is one of the main factors affecting the output frequency stability of the atomic clock. To ensure its continuous and stable operation in orbit, the temperature control system needs to provide a good working temperature environment for it. This article takes the high stability temperature control of the rubidium atomic clock in low-Earth inclined orbit as the research background, and conducts research on temperature control methods and phase change devices based on phase change technology. Simulation analysis and in-orbit telemetry data show that, by utilizing the temperature stability characteristic during the phase change process, the phase change temperature control system effectively suppresses the temperature fluctuations of the rubidium atomic clock caused by drastic changes in the space thermal environment.