Laser frequency stabilisation for space applications

Laser frequency stabilisation is a necessity in all experiments demanding a metrological precision in the measurement of time, frequency, distance and displacement. Depending on the required performances of the laser source in term of precision, stability and timescale of said parameters a molecular or mechanical reference can be better suited to ensure the performance of the laser source. For both types of references, a brief overview of several locking techniques shall be presented. Special attention will be given to the implementation of both references and locking techniques, in a space environment. The technique of Tilt Locking on a Fabry-Perot (FP) cavity shall be discussed in detail, given its a priori excellent adaptability to a space environment (no active components and simplified optical design).