Abstract: Time-synchronization of a space-system having a plurality of satellites. During a first period, a first satellite of the plurality of satellites is designated as a master satellite. A clock of the master satellite is configured to provide time and frequency to remaining satellites of the plurality of satellites and the remaining satellites are designated as slave satellites. During a second period, a second satellite of the slave satellites is designated as the master satellite based on a performance indicator and the first satellite is designated as a slave satellite. During the first period and the second period, clocks of the slave satellites are crosslinked with a clock of the master satellite using time transfer. At least one satellite during the first period and the second period, delivers time data having the time and the frequency generated by a clock of the at least one satellite.

Abstract: A physics package for an atomic clock is provided herein. The atomic clock may include a resonance cell storing alkali vapor having first and second hyperfine ground states and an excited state, a light source to transmit light through the resonance cell at a frequency corresponding to electronic decay from the excited state to the first ground state, and a photodetector to receive light from the light source. The physics package may include a laser, and controller circuitry to, at a first time, allow light from the laser to optically pump the alkali vapor from the first hyperfine ground state to the excited state; and at a second time, allow the photodetector to receive light source light from the resonance cell while inhibiting light from the laser from optically pumping the alkali vapor in the resonance cell.

Abstract: Time-synchronization of a space-system having a plurality of satellites is described herein. During a first period, a first satellite of the plurality of satellites is designated as a master satellite. A clock of the master satellite is configured to provide time and frequency to remaining satellites of the plurality of satellites and the remaining satellites are designated as slave satellites. During a second period, a second satellite of the slave satellites is designated as the master satellite based on a performance indictor and the first satellite is designated as a slave satellite. During the first period and the second period, clocks of the slave satellites are cross-linked with a clock of the master satellite using time transfer. At least one satellite during the first period and the second period, delivers time data having the time and the frequency generated by a clock of the at least one satellite.