Engineering Papers⌕ Search

Engineering topics

Campbell, T. G.

Publications and source records attributed to Campbell, T. G..

32 records · Page 2

NASA technology for large space antennas

Some leading concepts for deployable antennas are described and an assessment of the state of the art in deployable antennas is presented. The advanced sunflower precision antenna, the radial rib antenna and the maypole (hoop/column) antenna, the wrap rib antenna and the parabolic erectable truss antenna are covered. In addition, a discussion on the technology development program for two deployable antenna concepts that are responsive to the antenna mission requirements as defined in the NASA mission model is presented.

Russell, R. A.↗

FY-79 - LSST antenna technology development

The development of technology needed to design, fabricate, transport, and deploy large antenna systems is reported. Accomplishments include: (1) development of scenarios for near term missions in communications, microwave radiometry, and radio astronomy; (2) conceptual designs for critical components of a hoop/column reflector; (3) development of a surface accuracy measurement system; and (4) development of electromagnetic analysis methods for large aperture antennas.

Campbell, T. G.↗

NASA technology for large space antennas

Technology developed by NASA in conjunction with industry for potential large, deployable space antennas with applications in communication, radio astronomy and earth observation is reviewed. Concepts for deployable antennas that have been developed to the point of detail design are summarized, including the advanced sunflower precision antenna, the radial rib antenna, the maypole (hoop/column) antenna and the parabolic erectable truss antenna. The assessment of state-of-the-art deployable antenna technology is discussed, and the approach taken by the NASA Large Space Systems Technology (LSST) Program to the development of technology for large space antenna systems is outlined. Finally, the further development of the wrap-rib antenna and the maypole (hoop/column) concept, which meet mission model requirements, to satisfy LSST size and frequency requirements is discussed.

Russell, R. A.↗

Deployable antenna technology development for the Large Space Systems Technology program

The critical technologies associated with the development of deployable reflector antenna technology for the LSST program will be derived from NASA mission models and the subsequent requirements will be related to the classes of missions involved. The approach formulated for the development of reflector technology is based on the development of specific reflector concepts that have been identified as leading candidates for future applications. The development approach will be augmented by supporting technology disciplines such as controls, materials, electromagnetic analysis, as well as the capability of analytically predicting the overall performance of the large space system.

Freeland, R. E.↗

Microstrip backfire antenna

Microstrip resonator is improvement over dipole-fed waveguide-fed backfire designs. Advantages include simpler construction with reduction in weight and size over other backfire designs. Microstrip backfire concept has potential in dual-polarization antenna systems, array-thinning designs, and feed designs for larger parabolic reflectors.

Campbell, T. G.↗

On space deployable antennas and electronics: Plans and programs

Technology plans are presented for developing deployable reflectors having diameters of 30 to 300 meters and surface accuracies of several millimeters for L and X band applications, as well as for the electronic subsystems required for such large structures. An electromagnetic analysis method for predicting the radio frequency performance of large reflectors involves projecting field points onto an aperture plane. The data points in the aperture plane are quantized to produce contours of constant phase and amplitude. Far field patterns are then calculated using reduced computer storage.

Campbell, T. G.↗

The design and fabrication of microstrip omnidirectional array antennas for aerospace applications

A microstrip antenna design concept was developed that will provide quasi-omnidirectional radiation pattern characteristics about cylindrical and conical aerospace structures. L-band and S-band antenna arrays were designed, fabricated, and, in some cases, flight tested for rocket, satellite, and aircraft drone applications. Each type of array design is discussed along with a thermal cover design that was required for the sounding rocket applications.

Campbell, T. G.↗

The design, development, and flight test results of the Boeing 737 aircraft antennas for the ICAO demonstration of the TRSB microwave landing system

The Research Support Flight System, a modified Boeing 737, was used to evaluate the performance of several aircraft antennas and locations for the Time Reference Scanning Beam (TRSB) Microwave Landing System (MLS). These tests were conducted at the National Aviation Facilities Experimental Center (NAFEC), Atlantic City, New Jersey on December 18, 1975. The flight tests measured the signal strength and all pertinent MLS data during a straight-in approach, a racetrack approach, and ICAO approach profiles using the independent antenna-receiver combinations simultaneously on the aircraft. Signal drop-outs were experienced during the various approaches but only a small percentage could be attributed to antenna pattern effects.

Campbell, T. G.↗