Successful launch of Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space (ACES)
Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space (ACES) was launched on 21 April 2025, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. On 25 April, the Canadian robotic arm aboard the ISS carefully positioned ACES on the Earth-facing side of ESA's Columbus laboratory.
ACES mission goal
ACES is a pioneering facility, that will deliver the most accurate time signal ever transmitted from space and connect the world’s best clocks to test fundamental physics from orbit, including Einstein’s theory of general relativity. The launch of ACES marks a major milestone for European science and international cooperation in space.
SpaceTech electronics integrations for ACES
We are proud to support such a groundbreaking project with our expertise in space electronics. SpaceTech integrated and tested seven Electronic Units for the ground stations maintaining the microwave link between ACES space segment located at ISS and atomic clocks at ground.
More optical clocks!
SpaceTech is participating in the Compasso optical clock development under the lead of DLR and is also leading the developing optical clocks for future Galileo generations.
Links
More information about ACES: https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/ACES_Atomic_Clock_Ensemble_in_Space
Re-watch launch: https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=bandwagon-3
