Session
Technical Sesson XI: Subsystems II
Abstract
A small, low-mass ultrastable oscillator with excellent frequency stability (1 x 10-13 at 100 s) is required for the radio science experiment on the proposed Pluto Fast Flyby mission. A high premium is placed on mass, size, and power for the Pluto spacecraft. The primary task of this exploratory design was to reduce by 50% the mass and size of a flightproven ultrastable oscillator design without seriously degrading the oscillator's frequency stability or immunity to environmental stress-a very challenging design problem. The mass of key components of an oscillator fabricated to test new design ideas was reduced by over 78%. A series of tests, including vibration testing to the expected Pluto mission levels, met or exceeded our expectations. Based on the results of the vibration tests, a vibration isolation system will not be used for the Pluto oscillator. The knowledge and data obtained from this advanced technology feasibility study provides a solid basis to develop a small, ultrastable quartz oscillator.
Advanced Technology Oscillator for the Pluto Flyby Mission
A small, low-mass ultrastable oscillator with excellent frequency stability (1 x 10-13 at 100 s) is required for the radio science experiment on the proposed Pluto Fast Flyby mission. A high premium is placed on mass, size, and power for the Pluto spacecraft. The primary task of this exploratory design was to reduce by 50% the mass and size of a flightproven ultrastable oscillator design without seriously degrading the oscillator's frequency stability or immunity to environmental stress-a very challenging design problem. The mass of key components of an oscillator fabricated to test new design ideas was reduced by over 78%. A series of tests, including vibration testing to the expected Pluto mission levels, met or exceeded our expectations. Based on the results of the vibration tests, a vibration isolation system will not be used for the Pluto oscillator. The knowledge and data obtained from this advanced technology feasibility study provides a solid basis to develop a small, ultrastable quartz oscillator.
