Australian optical frequency comb becomes operational in orbit
QuantX Labs' Tempo optical atomic clock undergoes testing. (QuantX Labs)
An Australian optical frequency comb launched into space in late March to support the development of military position, navigation, and timing (PNT) capabilities has become operational.
Adelaide-based QuantX Labs, which developed the comb, said on 21 July that its in-orbit operation will enable precise time and frequency measurements.
The company said the comb translates ultra-stable optical signals into usable electronic timing information to support PNT applications. It is a key subsystem of a rubidium quantum optical atomic clock, scheduled for launch in early 2027.
The optical clock, known as Tempo, is being developed by QuantX Labs in partnership with the University of Adelaide's Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS) under the Australian government's Kairos mission. The mission aims to launch a next-generation optical atomic clock into low-Earth orbit (LEO) to augment PNT capabilities.
According to QuantX Labs, the Tempo Proto-Flight Model is undergoing environmental testing. Data generated by the comb will support Tempo's development and help validate spacecraft interfaces and environmental performance required for future deployments.
Tempo's development is supported by the Australian Space Agency (ASA), the Australian Department of Defence's (DoD's) Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), and the DoD's Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) programme.
For more, please see: Australia launches optical frequency comb to support PNT research
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