Accurate time synchronization across space geodetic techniques is essential for realizing a
consistent global reference frame and for advancing chronometric geodesy. At the Geodetic
Observatory Wettzell, delay-stabilized optical links have been developed to provide traceable
and temperature-stable clock connections between co-located space geodetic systems. These
stabilized links form the backbone for calibration signals that enhance the time coherence
among geodetic techniques such as Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI), Satellite
Laser Ranging (SLR), and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).
GNSS is the only continuously operating geodetic system that can perform global clock
comparisons with an accuracy level of 10⁻¹⁷ and beyond, which enables applications such as
chronometric leveling. However, its full potential is restricted by internal delay instabilities,
primarily caused by temperature variations in the receiver chains.
This contribution discusses the development and initial results of a GNSS calibration system
designed to reduce instabilities and enhance time consistency between different measurement
techniques. We propose using a ground-based GNSS pseudolite system that is synchronized
with a delay-drift-free timing system. By utilizing a software-defined radio, we successfully
tracked an E1B Galileo signal replica with geodetic receivers.
The pseudolite system features a feedback tone calibration that stabilizes transmission epochs
and calibrates both the phase and frequency of the internal L-band upconverter, along with its
internal delays. Our ultimate goal is to achieve clock parameter stability that exceeds current
VLBI solutions. This improvement will facilitate the use of calibrated GNSS clocks in VLBI
clock modeling and ultimately enhance the consistency of multi-technique geodetic solutions.
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Accurate time synchronization across space geodetic techniques is essential for realizing a
consistent global reference frame and for advancing chronometric geodesy. At the Geodetic
Observatory Wettzell, delay-stabilized optical links have been developed to provide traceable
and temperature-stable clock connections between co-located space geodetic systems. These
stabilized links form the backbone for calibration signals that enhance the time coherence
among geodetic techniques such as Very...
»