Ankara: Trkiye's domestically developed rubidium atomic clock has been successfully launched into space aboard SpaceX's Transporter-17 mission, as announced by Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir. The spacecraft carrying the Rubidium Atomic Frequency Standard, or RAFS, has also sent its first successful signal back to Earth.
According to Anadolu Agency, Kacir shared this development on US social media company X, stating that the Rubidium Atomic Clock is a critical component of the regional positioning and timing system, which is a strategic objective of Trkiye's National Space Program. The clock was launched as part of SpaceX's Transporter-17 mission.
Atomic clocks provide extremely precise time measurements by utilizing the constant resonance frequency produced when atoms transition between energy levels. Specifically, a rubidium atom oscillates 6,834,682,610 times per second between two such levels. The clock was developed under the Turkish Space Agency's leadership, with the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Trkiye's National Metrology Institute as the main contractor. Contributions also came from TUBITAK Space Technologies Research Institute and ITUNOVA.
The newly developed technology will be tested aboard a CubeSat in space, offering data for future satellite systems, communications infrastructure, navigation applications, and scientific missions. Kacir emphasized that this project is a significant step in enhancing Trkiye's domestic capabilities in space-based timing and frequency technologies.
Once the orbital validation process concludes, Trkiye will join the select group of countries with space-proven atomic clock technology. Kacir noted that until now, this crucial technology had been sourced internationally, and domestic production would lessen foreign dependency while providing cost and supply benefits to satellite manufacturers.
Furthermore, he mentioned that the engineering, testing, and operational experience gained through this project would bolster Trkiye's ability to develop next-generation satellites and space technologies.