Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Kinman, P. W..
The threshold performance of deep-space telemetry is characterized for four turbo codes. The mathematical models given here are based on simulations that account for imperfect carrier synchronization.
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The range of a deep space vehicle is commonly measured today using a sequential ranging signal that is transponded at the spacecraft. The noise performance and the uplink spectrum of this scheme are charaterized here.
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We discuss how QPSK will be the telemetry modulation shceme for many future deep space missions, in accord with new CCSDS standards.
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Report discusses two types of proposed laser systems containing active transponders measuring distance (range) and line-of-sight velocity (via Doppler effect) between deep space vehicle and earth-orbiting satellite. Laser system offers diffraction advantage over microwave system. Delivers comparable power to distant receiver while using smaller transmitting and receiving antennas and less-powerful transmitter. Less subject to phase scintillations caused by passage through such inhomogeneous media as solar corona. One type of system called "incoherent" because range and Doppler measurements do not require coherence with laser carrier signals. Other type of system called "coherent" because successful operation requires coherent tracking of laser signals.
Two-way coherent Doppler errors resulting from phase scintillations induced on the uplink by the solar corona are considered. It is shown that this error can be estimated by taking statistics on the differential Doppler measurements. Typical estimates for the error are given for four Sun-Earth-probe angles and for integration times ranging from 1 second to 1 minute. These results are based on data collected during the 1985 Voyager 2 conjunction.
The primary purpose of the Deep Space Network (DSN) is to serve as a communications instrument for deep space exploration, providing communications between the spacecraft and the ground facilities. The uplink communications channel provides instructions or commands to the spacecraft. The downlink communications channel provides command verification and spacecraft engineering and science instrument payload data.
Digital telemetry has supplanted analog telemetry for deep space communications. With digital telemetry, the telecommunications systems design engineer may use error correcting codes. This allows increased error protection at the cost of increased bandwidth. All science telemetry returned from the Voyager and Galileo spacecraft are protected by error correcting codes. Both the modulation and coding of digital telemetry for the deep space channel are considered. The descriptions include relative performance of some competing schemes. However, the treatment given here is, of necessity, cursory. A small class of modulation schemes has proven to be best for the deep space channel. The digital telemetry is either phase-shift-keyed onto a squarewave subcarrier and then phase modulated onto the carrier or the digital telemetry is directly phase modulated onto the carrier.
The means of telemetering digital data from a spacecraft to the Deep Space Network is addressed. Phase shift keying and uncoded quadriphase shift keying modulations are discussed along with demodulation and decoding systems. Telemetry system losses and noisy reference performance for suppressed carrier receivers are also examined.
The telecommunications system interfaces between the spacecraft and the space shuttle, and between the spacecraft and the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) are discussed. The payload/shuttle/ground communications network, principle end-to-end link configurations, and requirements for attached and detached payloads are addressed.