Current concepts for a tracking and data relay satellite system.

Abstract

Description of two varieties of a tracking and data relay satellite system utilizing geosynchronous relay spacecraft to provide telecommunications service to user spacecraft in low earth orbit. These users are categorized by their earth return data rates. The described system varieties are the two versions of a low and medium data rate system whose definition study is now complete. One of these versions utilizes a spin-stabilized spacecraft, while the other employs a three-axis stabilized one. Some of the communication problems peculiar to these system varieties are discussed.