Revolutionizing space exploration by launching an atomic clock into space | Jill Seubert | TEDxUCLA

Summary

The speaker, a deep space navigator, recounts the exhilaration of watching NASA's InSight Lander touch down on Mars, facilitated by two CubeSats. They discuss the challenges of deep space navigation, which relies on precise timekeeping due to the vast distances involved. The speaker highlights the limitations of current spacecraft's ability to navigate autonomously, due to the size and complexity of atomic clocks. However, they express optimism about the future with the development of a new, highly stable ion-based atomic clock. This technology could enable spacecraft to navigate themselves, potentially leading to GPS-like systems on other planets and revolutionizing space exploration.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The script describes the excitement of watching NASA's InSight Lander's successful touchdown on Mars, facilitated by two small cube satellites that live-streamed telemetry data back to Earth.
• 📡 The importance of accurate timekeeping for deep space navigation is highlighted, as even a tiny fraction of a second's error can lead to mission failure or success.
• 🚀 Deep space navigation relies on signals sent from Earth, which is a limitation because spacecraft are not good at keeping time, and navigation must be precise to ensure safe landings.
• 🛰️ The script introduces the concept of deep space navigators, who are responsible for guiding spacecraft from launch to destination, comparing it to hitting a very small target from a great distance.
• ⏱️ The challenge of measuring time in deep space is discussed, emphasizing the need for extremely accurate signal time measurements to avoid catastrophic outcomes.
• 🔬 The Voyager spacecraft are mentioned as examples of long-lasting explorers that continue to send data from interstellar space, despite being launched over 40 years ago.
• 🛍️ The potential of miniaturized atomic clocks for spacecraft is presented as a game-changer for deep space navigation, allowing for onboard autonomous navigation and self-driving spacecraft.
• 🌌 The script envisions a future with GPS-like navigation systems on other planets and moons, enabling astronauts to find their way around with precision.
• 🌐 The idea of a constellation of communication satellites in deep space is proposed for broadcasting navigation signals, independent of direct ties to Earth.
• 🔮 The potential scientific benefits of accurate timekeeping in deep space are mentioned, including better models of planetary atmospheres and the possibility of detecting subsurface oceans on distant moons.
• 🌟 The script concludes by emphasizing the human drive to explore and the vast amount of unknowns in the universe, calling for more exploration to answer fundamental questions about our existence and the cosmos.

Q & A

What was the significance of the two small cube sets that went to Mars with Insight Lander?

The two small cube sets were crucial for live-streaming Insight Lander's telemetry back to Earth, allowing us to watch the landing process in near real-time from over 90 million miles away.

Why is it challenging to navigate spacecraft in deep space?

Spacecraft are not good at telling the time, and navigation depends on precise time measurements of signals sent from Earth. Any small error in timing can lead to significant navigational inaccuracies.

What is the role of a deep space navigator?

A deep space navigator is responsible for steering spacecraft from the moment they separate from their launch vehicle until they reach their destination in space, such as Mars or Jupiter.

How does the analogy of shooting an arrow in Los Angeles and hitting a target in New York relate to the job of a deep space navigator?

The analogy illustrates the precision required in the navigator's job, emphasizing the difficulty of accurately directing a spacecraft to a distant target in space.

Why is it currently necessary to measure signal time from Earth rather than on the spacecraft?

The current technology for atomic clocks, which are essential for timekeeping, is too large and not miniaturized enough to be sent into deep space.

What is the Voyager 1 spacecraft's current distance from Earth, and why is its navigation challenging?

Voyager 1 is over 13 billion miles away. Its navigation is challenging because it moves very fast, and by the time Earth receives a signal and sends back directions, the spacecraft has moved further into uncharted territory.

What advancements in atomic clock technology are being made to enable more precise navigation in deep space?

An ion-based atomic clock is being developed that is small enough for space travel and stable enough to be accurate for millions of years without losing a second.

How could an advanced atomic clock in space enable autonomous navigation for spacecraft?

With a highly stable atomic clock on board, spacecraft could navigate themselves in real-time without waiting for directions from Earth, making deep space exploration more efficient and reliable.

What potential applications could GPS-like navigation systems on other planets have for future space exploration?

Such systems could help astronauts navigate the surfaces of planets and moons, and potentially support the development of communication networks throughout deep space.

How could accurate timekeeping in deep space contribute to scientific discoveries?

The precise measurement of time could provide data for better models of planetary atmospheres, the detection of subsurface oceans on icy moons, and insights into relativistic gravity.

What is the potential impact of accurate timekeeping in deep space on future human space missions?

It could enable real-time navigation for human missions, ensuring the safety of astronauts and allowing for more efficient exploration of distant destinations.