Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Rapid Repetition Rate Fluctuation Measurement of Soliton Crystals in a Microresonator
Published on: December 15, 2021
Long-term performance of precision crystal oscillators in a near-Earth orbital environment
L J Rueger1, J R Norton, P T Lasewicz
1Bendix Field Eng. Corp., Columbia, MD.
Abstract:
The Navy Navigation Satellite System (NNSS) uses precision quartz crystal oscillators to provide time and frequency in the orbiting spacecraft. The frequency changes for multiple oscillators, which were observed for 28 years of operational service in the orbital environment, are discussed. The primary frequency changes are believed to be caused by mass transfer to and from the resonator, stress relief in the resonator mounting structure and electrodes, and ionizing radiation of the quartz resonator. Observations to a resolution of 10- 13 have been made from 1963 to 1991 on 20 operational satellites in near-Earth orbit. No oscillator failures have occurred during the entire program life of nearly 30 years. One oscillator provided continuous operational service for over 21 years, and several have served more than 15 years. No oscillator changed frequency more than two parts in 107 while in operational service. One of the best performing oscillators had a predictable drift rate of 9x10(-13)+/-1x10(-13) per day after three years of service.
Related Concept Videos
Circular Orbits and Critical Velocity for Satellites
Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543) first suggested that the Earth and all other planets orbit the Sun in...
Atomic Nuclei: Larmor Precession Frequency
Design Example: Underdamped Parallel RLC Circuit
Starting with a fixed...
Energy of a Satellite in a Circular Orbit
Oscillations In An LC Circuit
Oscillations about an Equilibrium Position

