Two-way satellite time and frequency transfer: Overview, recent developments and application

Abstract

Two-way satellite time and frequency transfer(TWSTFT) has been recognized as one of the most accurate means for remote clock comparisons. The advantage is that the symmetry of the signal paths of two earth stations makes the errors to be mostly canceled. In two-way links, it is found that there are diurnal variety error whose magnitude is 1-3ns in most TWSTFT results. Combined with the character of diurnal variety, the diurnal variety error is removed by function fitting method and the precision is improved to about 0.3ns. TWSTFT is widely used in time and frequency community, satellite navigation and satellite orbit determination. TWSTFT has been developing continually in recent years and the future.