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At least 775 records · Page 43

Computer-aided communication satellite system analysis and optimization

The capabilities and limitations of the various published computer programs for fixed/broadcast communication satellite system synthesis and optimization are discussed. A satellite Telecommunication analysis and Modeling Program (STAMP) for costing and sensitivity analysis work in application of communication satellites to educational development is given. The modifications made to STAMP include: extension of the six beam capability to eight; addition of generation of multiple beams from a single reflector system with an array of feeds; an improved system costing to reflect the time value of money, growth in earth terminal population with time, and to account for various measures of system reliability; inclusion of a model for scintillation at microwave frequencies in the communication link loss model; and, an updated technological environment.

Stagl, T. W.↗

Coherent receiver employing nonlinear coherence detection for carrier tracking

The concept of nonlinear coherence employed in carrier tracking to improve telecommunications efficiency is disclosed. A generic tracking loop for a coherent receiver is shown having seven principle feedback signals which may be selectively added and applied to a voltage controlled oscillator to produce a reference signal that is phase coherent with a received carrier. An eighth feedback signal whose nonrandom components are coherent with the phase detected and filtered carrier may also be added to exploit the sideband power of the received signal. A ninth feedback signal whose nonrandom components are also coherent with the quadrature phase detected and filtered carrier could be additionally or alternatively included in the composite feedback signal to the voltage controlled oscillator.

Lindsey, W. C.↗

Analysis of the proposed utilization of TDRS system by the HEAO-C satellite

The primary function of the study was to assess the impact upon the HEAO telecommunications system of the proposed relay satellite-to-ground-link configuration. The system is designed to perform the function of most of the NASA ground tracking and communications network at a net cost savings for NASA.

Weathers, G.↗

Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System user impact and network compatibility study

The report contains data on antenna configurations for the low data rate users of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS). It treats the coverage and mutual visibility considerations between the user satellites and the relay satellites and relates these considerations to requirements of antenna beamwidth and fractional user orbital coverage. A final section includes user/TDRS telecommunication link budgets and forward and return link data rate tradeoffs.

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Use of the Space Shuttle for communications and navigation experiments

It is seen that a Shuttle laboratory will provide a facility for meeting the continuing need for planning frequency and orbit utilization and specialized radio interference measurements. The Shuttle could be used for placing communications and navigation satellites into the desired orbit, and also for conducting laser communications tests with the aim of developing the required technology and acquisition techniques for space-to-space and space-to-ground telecommunications. Other uses include the proof-testing of large spacecraft antenna structures and their erection mechanisms, and the testing of high-voltage high-current communications satellite components and subsystems.

Marsten, R. B.↗

Satellite utilization for educational communications in the U.S.

This paper summarizes completed, continuing and planned satellite experiments in the U.S. related to the delivery of educational services and networking. It also describes some results of an on-going study at Washington University directed towards defining applications of fixed/broadcast communication satellites in the U.S. and alternative systems and strategies for large-scale telecommunication-based educational delivery systems utilizing satellites. An analysis is presented of recent actions which may influence future development of such systems.

Morgan, R. P.↗

Planetary program data systems standards

Stages in the development of planetary program data system standards since the inception of program standards in 1969 are identified as a review of the then existing data system element designs, the selection of canditate elements for additional standards, and the formation in 1972 of a Telecommunication Standards Committee for fulltime work in the final preparation of the standards. Further efforts in developing and implementing a complete set of standards within the possibly shortest time are planned.

Glahn, E. W.↗

Radio frequency science considerations

Use of the 400 MHz telecommunications system to obtain scientific information, to provide backup information for the experiments flown, and to obtain measurements which aid in designing future probes is considered. Recommended objectives of such a program are summarized and include: measure 400 MHz amplitude to determine adsorption and perhaps scintillation (if data rate permits); measure noise strength near 400 MHz to reexamine 400 MHz choice and to observe thermal, cosmic, and local synchrotron noise trends; probe VSWR sensing to monitor integrity of system, icing, and possible plasma effects; after the probe is finished, have the bus radio occultation in the same region where the probe fell to evaluate the occultation.

Croft, T. A.↗

AST-6/CSM training console operations manual

The ATS-6/Command Service Module Training Console houses, controls, and cools telecommunication subsystems during support of ASTP test programs. The function of each switch on the power control and mode control panels is described along with the input functions on the stimulus input panel. The switch settings for each mode of operation are presented.

Davis, R.↗

Feasibility study for the implementation of NASTRAN on the ILLIAC 4 parallel processor

The ILLIAC IV, a fourth generation multiprocessor using parallel processing hardware concepts, is operational at Moffett Field, California. Its capability to excel at matrix manipulation, makes the ILLIAC well suited for performing structural analyses using the finite element displacement method. The feasibility of modifying the NASTRAN (NASA structural analysis) computer program to make effective use of the ILLIAC IV was investigated. The characteristics are summarized of the ILLIAC and the ARPANET, a telecommunications network which spans the continent making the ILLIAC accessible to nearly all major industrial centers in the United States. Two distinct approaches are studied: retaining NASTRAN as it now operates on many of the host computers of the ARPANET to process the input and output while using the ILLIAC only for the major computational tasks, and installing NASTRAN to operate entirely in the ILLIAC environment. Though both alternatives offer similar and significant increases in computational speed over modern third generation processors, the full installation of NASTRAN on the ILLIAC is recommended. Specifications are presented for performing that task with manpower estimates and schedules to correspond.

Field, E. I.↗

117.6-kilobit telemetry from Mercury in-flight system analysis

This paper discusses very specifically the mode of the Mariner Venus/Mercury 1973 (MVM'73) telecommunications system in the interplexed dual channel 117.6 kilobits per second (kbps) and 2.45 kbps telemetry. This mode, originally designed for only Venus encounter, was also used at Mercury despite significantly less performance margin. Detailed analysis and careful measurement of system performance before and during flight operations allowed critical operational decisions, which made maximum use of the system capabilities.

Evanchuk, V. L.↗

ATS 6 EMI field measurements techniques and results

At the present time 'Applications Technology Satellite (ATS)-6' is the world's largest communication satellite. It handles telecommunications in the frequency range of 40 - 30,000 MHz. Power levels on board the spacecraft range from -110 dBm to 52.5 dBw. Consequently considerable care was required in the design and test of this spacecraft, in order to provide assurances that the spacecraft would perform properly in its own RF environments. The testing was performed first by placing the earth viewing module (EVM) in a specially constructed 'small' anechoic chamber with an overhead parabolic reflector section, of 8' in diameter, instead of the 30' reflector of the full scale design. The near field analysis of this paper proves that this test configuration leads to a desirable overtest for the spacecraft. The test requirements, procedure and results are also explained.

Afifi, M. S.↗

ATS-6 - A satellite for human needs

On May 30, 1974, NASA launched the ATS-6 experimental communications satellite into a geosynchronous orbit at a station centered over the United States. The 1400 kg satellite was designed to be body-stabilized with a 3-axis control system capable of precision offset pointing. It deployed a 9.1 meter (30 foot) parabolic reflector antenna with a transponder that covered a frequency range from VHF through C-band. The high RF gains obtained with the antenna were to be used for many dramatic communications experiments, one of which was the Health/Education Telecommunications Experiment (HET), a demonstration of direct broadcast of color television to low cost terminals in remote regions of the United States. More than 120 terminals with 3-meter antennas were deployed in Alaska, Washington, the Rocky Mountains, and Appalachia to provide educational and health services to selected community centers. After 11 months of nearly continuous service, the performance of both the satellite and the experiment have exceeded all expectations.

Whalen, A. A.↗

Outer planet atmospheric entry probes - An overview of technology readiness

Entry probe systems for characterizing, by in situ measurements, the atmospheric properties, chemical composition, and cloud structure of the planets Saturn, Uranus, and Jupiter are examined from the standpoint of unique mission requirements, associated subsystem performance, and degree of commonality of design. Past earth entry vehicles (PAET) and current planetary spacecraft (Pioneer Venus probes and Viking lander) are assessed to identify the extent of potential subsystem inheritance, as well as to establish the significant differences, in both form and function, relative to outer planet requirements. Recent research results are presented and reviewed for the most critical probe technology areas, including: science accommodation, telecommunication, and entry heating and thermal protection. Finally presented is a brief discussion of the use of decision analysis techniques for quantifying various probe heat-shield test alternatives and performance risk.

Vojvodich, N. S.↗

Use of communications

Progress in the field of satellite communications is reviewed, and useful services which may be provided by future satellite communications systems are considered. Recommendations are made with regard to mobile communications for use on land and at sea, position determination, mineral and energy exploration, the possibility of using electronic means to assist in main delivery, education and health-care experiments, and the use of satellite telecommunications to enhance the quality of life in rural areas by making available a full range of educational and entertainment programs. The needs of the amateur radio community are also considered.

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