BIPM150 Interview: Javier Benedicto on Timekeeping for Satellites Systems and Space Exploration
What does it take to build a system of time in space? From atomic clocks in orbit to future lunar missions, metrology is central to navigating beyond Earth — and to ensuring that space-based systems are accurate, interoperable and reliable.
At the BIPM’s Scientific Conference during the 150th Anniversary of the Metre Convention, Javier Benedicto, Director of Navigation at the European Space Agency (ESA), spoke to the BIPM about the metrology behind satellite navigation and the next frontier: establishing a reference time scale and coordinate system for the Moon.
Watch our interview
Javier Benedicto explains why metrology underpins all space programmes — from Earth observation and telecommunications to planetary exploration — and how highly stable atomic clocks in orbit contribute to precise positioning, navigation and timing.
Watch the interview on YouTube
[3 minutes]
The next frontier: time on the Moon
The knowledge gained from deploying precise clocks on Earth and in orbit will enable us to create a lunar reference time scale and lunar reference coordinates. These will be essential for future missions — supporting navigation, mining exploration, scientific activity and the development of future lunar infrastructure.
About the speaker
Javier Benedicto is the Director of Navigation at the European Space Agency (ESA), where he leads the Agency’s navigation programme and oversees the development, deployment and evolution of Europe’s satellite navigation systems — including Galileo and future R&D initiatives. His current aim also includes contributing to international efforts to establish a shared time reference beyond Earth, supporting long-term interoperability and future space operations.