Relativistic analysis of an earth-satellite time transfer

TL;DR

This paper provides a relativistic analytical framework for Earth-satellite time transfer, considering Earth's gravitational potential up to J_2, to improve synchronization accuracy in satellite-based timing systems.

Contribution

It introduces a complete relativistic model for Earth-satellite time transfer that accounts for Earth's oblateness up to J_2, enhancing precision in low altitude orbits.

Findings

Relativistic effects are significant for precise time transfer.

Neglecting other bodies is justified at low altitudes.

Model improves synchronization accuracy in satellite systems.

Abstract

Analytical treatment of time transfer problem for Earth-Satellite system is presented. The development was made in a complete relativistic framework. In accordance with modern clock precision and for low altitude orbits, we neglect the other bodies and consider only the 1/c^2 Earth potential developed up to the J_2 term in spherical harmonics.