CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -Built by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, the Deep Space Atomic Clock is an ultra-precise, mercury-ion atomic clock encased in a small box that measures about 10 inches (25 centimeters) on each side – roughly the size of a toaster.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Deep Space Atomic Clock, or DSAC, was a technology demonstration of a small, ultra-precise, mercury-ion atomic clock launched into Earth orbit to test its potential as a next-generation tool for spacecraft navigation, radio science and global positioning systems.

Detailed explanation-3: -These clocks measure very stable and precise frequencies of light emitted by specific atoms, using them to regulate the time kept by more traditional mechanical, quartz crystal clocks. This results in a clock system that can remain ultra-stable over decades.

Detailed explanation-4: -Each GPS satellite contains multiple atomic clocks that contribute very precise time data to the GPS signals. GPS receivers decode these signals, effectively synchronizing each receiver to the atomic clocks.

Detailed explanation-5: -NASA’s Deep Space Atomic Clock, which has, since two years, pushed the timekeeping frontiers in space, has successfully ended its mission.