Galileo - the atomic clock
ESA TV Exchanges
GIOVE B will be launched from Baikonur on 27 April. Time - is at the heart of the Galileo system. This second Galileo satellite is therefore equipped with the most accurate clock ever to be flown in space. The graphic explanation shows how the atomic clock works.
For more info on this subject please check the script that is online as a PDF file under :http://television.esa.int/photos/EbS56666.pdf
A WMV preview clip (english version) is online under : http://esa.contentcoders.com/mphi/atomic_TV_en_19-04-08_wmphigh.wmv
The french version under :http://esa.contentcoders.com/mphi/atomic_TV_fr_19-04-08_wmphigh.wmv
More backgroud information can be found on: http://www.giove.esa.int/

10:00:00:00 ESA intro
10:00:30:00 Galileo, the best atomic clock in space
10:00:40:00 Animation: earth and the Galileo constellation
""Although from a distance the Galileo constellation may look like a molecule with electron satellites and the earth as its core, this atomic comparison only really comes into its own when one considers what lies at the heart of Galileo: the measurement of time! In fact the Galileo system is one vast space clock the accuracy of which is crucial to the quality of position calculations and to ensure the success of this, Europe has developed what are known as atomic clocks. An atomic clock that deviates by one nano second produces an error on the ground of 30 centimetres, which, if translated to a second, makes an error of 300,000 kilometres ñ which means one might as well be on the moon!! Hence the importance of reducing inaccuracy and the key role played by the clocks on board the Galileo satellites.
Animation: inside the sa