Electronics Ltd

         Certificate No.0329

Rapco Clocks used in Space Science

Rapco Electronics Ltd has delivered three Master Clock systems to the Science & Technology Facilities Council.  Two of the units have been installed at the Chilbolton Observatory, and the third at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory to support the 12 m satellite ground station. The clocks are all synchronised by signals from the GPS satellites and are based on Quartz and Rubidium atomic oscillators. Signals produced by the clocks are used by the observatory’s scientific equipment to make precise time interval measurements and also to coordinate time events during experiments.

The Observatory is well known for its work in investigating clouds and other meteorological phenomena, and also, more recently, as the UK’s monitoring station for the European Galileo satellite system.

Darcy Ladd, Station Manager at Chilbolton said, “Accurate timekeeping is essential to the work we do, and the new Rapco equipment we have will enhance our capability in this area.”

Dennis Reed, CEO of Rapco Electronics said, “We are pleased to have had this opportunity to work with Chilbolton Observatory. Despite their specialised needs, we were able to fulfil all requirements from our wide range of standard products which were delivered on time and within allocated budget.”