Laser-cooled atomic clocks as science payloads on the International Space Station

Presents an overview of two flight-definition experiments to develop space-based ultrahigh performance atomic clocks for performing precision tests of Einstein´s theories of special and general relativity. These experiments rely on laser-cooling of gases of atoms to near absolute zero to realize extremely long interaction times, enabling their performance. We focus on the role played by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in developing the core technologies to support these and future missions. We also discuss the various science platforms available on the International Space Station (ISS) and the challenges of performing a laser cooled atomic clock experiment in this environment.