Nasa launches atomic clocks to space to prove Einstein's theory about time
Nasa, in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), has launched two state-of-the-art atomic clocks to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space (ACES) mission.The atomic clocks were launched aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft to the ISS, along with food, resupplies and new experiments for the astronauts.The atomic clock payload to be installed on the ISS's Columbus module, aims to push the boundaries of precision timekeeping and fundamental physics research.advertisementWHAT IS ATOMIC CLOCK?
An atomic clock is the most accurate type of clock in the world — it keeps time using the vibrations of atoms, usually cesium-133 or rubidium-87, as its timekeeping element.The payload launched on Monday features two complementary atomic clocks: PHARAO, a laser-cooled cesium clock developed by the French space agency, and the Space Hydrogen Maser (SHM) from Switzerland.PHARAO cools cesium atoms to near absolute zero in microgravity, allowing ultra-precise measurements, while SHM provides exceptional short-term stability. Together, they achieve a timing accuracy so precise that they would lose only one second every 300 million years. WHAT WILL THE ATOMIC CLOCKS DO IN SPACE?One of ACES's primary scientific goals is to test Einstein's theory of general relativity by measuring gravitational time dilation with unprecedented precision.According to Einstein, time passes differently depending on gravitational strength — clocks closer to Earth's surface tick slower than those in orbit. advertisementACES will compare its onboard clocks with highly accurate ground-based atomic clocks worldwide, searching for tiny deviations that could reveal new physics or constrain dark matter models.Beyond fundamental physics, ACES is set to revolutionize global time synchronization, enabling clock comparisons at resolutions that can detect geopotential height differences on Earth's surface with 10-centimeter accuracy.This capability has practical applications in relativistic geodesy, improving GPS accuracy, satellite navigation, and telecommunications.The mission also aims to enhance the long-term stability of International Atomic Time (TAI) and demonstrate the transmission of ultra-stable time signals to Earth with uncertainties as low as 100 picoseconds.Launched aboard Nasa's SpaceX CRS-32 resupply mission, the atomic clocks will operate for at least 30 months.
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