Clock problems on one of India’s GPS satellites
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One of India’s seven GPS satellites is presently out of commission because its on-board atomic clock has malfunctioned.
The remaining satellites in the constellation is still functioning however, and are sufficient. The nature of this failure, so similar to the clock failures that have hit a number of Europe’s Galileo GPS satellites, makes me wonder if there is a connection.
Please consider donating to Behind the Black, by giving either a one-time contribution or a regular subscription, as outlined in the tip jar to the right or below. Your support will allow me to continue covering science and culture as I have for the past twenty years, independent and free from any outside influence.
One of India’s seven GPS satellites is presently out of commission because its on-board atomic clock has malfunctioned.
The remaining satellites in the constellation is still functioning however, and are sufficient. The nature of this failure, so similar to the clock failures that have hit a number of Europe’s Galileo GPS satellites, makes me wonder if there is a connection.
According to http://spacenews.com/rash-of-galileo-clock-failures-cast-doubt-on-timing-of-upcoming-launches/ both India and China uses the same clocks as ESA on their navigation satellites.
Des: Thank you! I had not read that specific article and had missed this.