Two-way satellite time transfers between and within North America and Europe

A satellite operated by the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (Intelsat) and located at 307° east longitude (53° west) provides new and unique capabilities for the coordination of time scales in North America and Europe using the two-way technique. A network of coordinated clocks using small satellite earth stations collocated with the time scales is possible. The technical details of the satellite and requirements on satellite earth stations are given. The resources required for a regular operational international time transfer service is analyzed with respect to the existing international digital service offerings of the Intelsat Business Service (IBS) and Intelnet. Coverage areas, typical link budgets, and a summary of previous domestic and international work using this technique are provided. Administrative procedures for gaining access to the space segment are outlined. Contact information for local Intelsat signatories is listed. A typical satellite earth station with time transfer capability is described in some detail