Rakon Launches new Ultra-Stable Space OCXO to Challenge Miniature Atomic Clocks
Rakon today announced a breakthrough addition to its RK409 series of Ultra Stable Space OCXOs: the RK409RBNS Ultra Stable Oscillator (USO), a compact, cost-effective alternative to miniature rubidium atomic clocks.
For many years, Rakon’s RK409 series has been a trusted choice for space missions, with nearly 200 units operating across GEO, MEO, and LEO spacecraft, satellite platforms and payloads, including missions such as Galileo, Jason and HTV.
The RK409RBNS delivers exceptional performance by combining:
- Short-term Allan Deviation (ADEV) typical of space quartz oscillators: 2.5E-13 at τ = 1s.
- Long-term ADEV usually reserved for mini rubidium atomic clocks: 3E-12 at τ = 10,000s.
- Frequency stability of ±0.25 ppb across -20°C to +50°C in vacuum.
- Long-term ageing of ≤ ±100 ppb over 5 years at 10 MHz.
Its highly accurate and stable Radio Frequency (RF) output signal provides a precise reference frequency for spacecraft systems, whilst its superior short-term stability makes it ideal for LEO high-end telecom, GNSS and PNT payload requirements.
Initially available at 10 MHz, additional standard frequencies will follow soon.
With the launch of RK409RBNS, the RK409 family now supports an even broader range of space applications:
| Radiation resistance level | Model | Key features | applications |
| LEO, MEO | RK409NS | Wide frequency range, superior phase noise | Wide range of LEO/MEO applications, including Telecom and EO smallsat platforms and payloads |
| LEO, MEO | RK409AVNS | Ultra low ADEV, superior phase noise at 10Hz offset, low sensitivity to acceleration, pressure and magnetic fields | Wide range of LEO/MEO applications including, Telecom, PNT and EO smallsat platforms and payloads |
| LEO, MEO | RK 409RBNS | Ultra low short-term and long-term ADEV, frequency stability and ageing, low phase noise, low sensitivity to acceleration, pressure and magnetic fields | Wide range of LEO/MEO applications including Spacecraft systems, Telecom, PNT and EO platforms and payloads |
| GEO, DeepSpace | RK409AV | Ultra low ADEV, low phase noise, low sensitivity to acceleration, pressure and magnetic fields | Wide range of GEO/DeepSpace applications, including reference for Hi-Rel Master Reference Oscillators or Frequency Generation Units, precise measurement instruments |
| GEO, DeepSpace | RK409GP | Wide frequency range, excellent overall performance | Wide range of GEO/DeepSpace applications, including reference for Hi-Rel Master Reference Oscillators or Frequency Generation Units, precise measurement instruments |
For more information about our space oscillators, GNSS receivers, master reference oscillators, resonators and filters, visit our stand at Space Tech Expo Europe 2025, Hall 4, stand E06. You can book a meeting with us via the Space Tech Expo B2B Matchmaking site:
or contact us directly.