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Spacecraft disciplined reference oscillator

  • US 5,861,842 A
  • Filed: 08/29/1997
  • Issued: 01/19/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/29/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method for synchronizing an earth orbit satellite to a Global Positioning System (GPS), comprising the steps of:

  • receiving a reference timing pulse from the GPS;

    phase locking a reference oscillator of the satellite to the received GPS reference timing pulse; and

    continuously and automatically correcting the phase and frequency of the reference oscillator in order to maintain synchronization between the satellite and the GPS;

    wherein the step of continuously and automatically correcting the reference oscillator is selectively modified based on commands from a terrestrial control system so as to employ at least one of a value stored on the satellite or a value transmitted from the terrestrial control system.

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