Effects of Gravitational Time Dilation during Balloon Satellite Flights with Chip Scale Atomic Clocks and their use in Small-Scale Systems

The objective of this research project is to explore the theoretical principles of Gravitational Time Dilation as described by Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity, by collecting experimental data obtained via Chip Scale Atomic Clocks (CSACs) both aboard balloon satellite flights, as well as environmentally controlled ground stations; we demonstrate how Gravitational Time Dilation can be modeled and accurately accounted for using these differing scenarios as a basis for further calculations. We compare our experimental data against modeled estimates of Gravitational Time Dilation through a numerical integration process that incorporates multiple corrections to include environmental factors, position data, and other varying corrections. We expect that our model will significantly correspond to our experimental data, and that in-flight corrections will improve overall accuracy for determining the effects of Gravitational Time Dilation. We predict that Gravitational Time Dilation will be further verified and that our model will be accurate to within 5 nanoseconds. The model is expected to be useful in future development of an independent Local Positioning System / Accurate Time Keeping system using Chip Scale Atomic Clocks (CSACs); The ever-increasing reliability and need of position data and accurate time data is apparent in the worlds use of the Global Positioning System and the Coordinated-Universal Time standard; to combat the possibility of an intermittent or long-term loss of communication and infrastructure based on these standards, we investigate the concept of small-scale, ground-based, interconnected devices that provide sustainable and accurate time and positioning capabilities.