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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 865 records · Page 48
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1977

Early performance of the 12-GHz, 200-watt transmitter experiment package in the communications technology satellite

Measured performance characteristics of the transmitter experiment package (TEP) aboard the Communications Technology Satellite for the first 90 operating days in orbit are presented. The TEP consists of a nominal 200-watt output stage tube (OST), a supporting power processing system (PPS), and a variable-conductance heat pipe system (VCHPS). The OST, a traveling-wave tube augmented with a 10-stage depressed collector, has an overall saturated average efficiency of 51.5 percent and an average saturated radiofrequency (RF) output power at center-band frequency of 240 watts. The PPS operated with a measured efficiency of 86.5 percent to 88.5 percent. The VCHPS, using three pipes to conduct heat from the PPS and the body of the OST to a 52-centimeter by 124-centimeter (20.5-in. by 48.75-in.) radiator fin, maintained by the PPS baseplate temperature below 50 C for all operating conditions. The TEP performance characteristics presented include frequency response, RF output power, efficiency, and distortions. Communications characteristics were evaluated by using both video and audio modulated signals.

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NASA NTRS1988

Experiments applications guide: Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS)

This applications guide first surveys the capabilities of the Advanced Communication Technology Satellite (ACTS) system (both the flight and ground segments). This overview is followed by a description of the baseband processor (BBP) and microwave switch matrix (MSM) operating modes. Terminals operating with the baseband processor are referred to as low burst rate (LBR); and those operating with the microwave switch matrix, as high burst rate (HBR). Three very small-aperture terminals (VSATs), LBR-1, LBR-2, and HBR, are described for various ACTS operating modes. Also described is the NASA Lewis link evaluation terminal. A section on ACTS experiment opportunities introduces a wide spectrum of network control, telecommunications, system, and scientific experiments. The performance of the VSATs is discussed in detail. This guide is intended as a catalyst to encourage participation by the telecommunications, business, and science communities in a broad spectrum of experiments.

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NASA NTRS1996

The Army's Use of the Advanced Communications Technology Satellite

Tactical operations require military commanders to be mobile and have a high level of independence in their actions. Communications capabilities providing intelligence and command orders in these tactical situations have been limited to simple voice communications or low-rate narrow bandwidth communications because of the need for immediate reliable connectivity. The Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) has brought an improved communications tool to the tactical commander giving the ability to gain access to a global communications system using high data rates and wide bandwidths. The Army has successfully tested this new capability of bandwidth-on-demand and high data rates for commanders in real-world conditions during Operation UPHOLD DEMOCRACY in Haiti during the fall and winter of 1994. This paper examines ACTS use by field commanders and details the success of the ACTS system in support of a wide variety of field condition command functions.

Ilse, Kenneth↗
NASA NTRS1977

Performance of battery reconditioning on the communications technology satellite

Some real life data on the flight performance and reconditioning on the Communications Technology Satellite are presented. There are two 24-cell nominal 5 amp-hour nickel cadmium batteries on board. The two batteries are operated in parallel with isolating diodes in between and permanently connected to the housekeeping buses. The recharge can be at C over 10 or C over 20 to a 1.4 charge/discharge ratio; and recharge is terminated either when a computed 1.4 charge/discharge ratio is reached, or a charge voltage peak is reached.

Lackner, J.↗
NASA NTRS1990

The Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) capabilities for serving science

Results of research on potential science applications of the NASA Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) are presented. Discussed here are: (1) general research on communications related issues; (2) a survey of science-related activities and programs in the local area; (3) interviews of selected scientists and associated telecommunications support personnel whose projects have communications requirements; (4) analysis of linkages between ACTS functionality and science user communications activities and modes of operation; and (5) an analysis of survey results and the projection of conclusions to a national scale.

Meyer, Thomas R.↗
NASA NTRS1985

The northern Utah satellite (NUSAT) communications link

During the planning Stages of the NUSAT satellite, an obvious issue to be discussed was the method of communications to be used. The frequencies would have to be high enough to pass through the atmosphere relatively unattenuated but low enough that antennas and transmission lines would not be so critical in length and properties that unexperienced students would have difficulty with handling them. In conversations with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in Washington D.C., the frequencies of 450.000 MHz and 137.900 MHz were decided upon and applied for licensing. The 450.000 MHt up-link is used on a "non-interference" basis to control the satellite while the 137.900 MHz frequency down-links data from the satellite. A reasonable amount of time was spent discussing the mods of transmission to be used in communication with the satellite. Representatives of the amateur radio satellite organization, AMSAT, were contacted for ides. This organization seems to favor AM types of emissions such as CW to control their OSCAR series of satellites and also the current Phase 111 unit. NUSAT personnel felt, however, that there would be merit in the improved signal to noise ratio usually obtained in an FM mode. Doppler shift of the transmitted information on the NUSAT also had to be considered. The final decision WBS to use Audio Frequency Shift Keying (AFSK) modulated on an FM carrier. In this mode the audio tones used would not shift frequency with Doppler - only the carrier would shift in frequency. If necessary, the receivers could be fitted with a form of AFC control or simply have enough bandwidth to handle the Doppler shift with an acceptable increase in noise.

Lee Barrett↗
NASA NTRS1995

Advanced Communication Technology Satellite (ACTS) Multibeam Antenna On-Orbit Performance

The NASA Lewis Research Center's Advanced Communication Technology Satellite (ACTS) was launched in September 1993. ACTS introduced several new technologies, including a multibeam antenna (MBA) operating at extremely short wavelengths never before used in communications. This antenna, which has both fixed and rapidly reconfigurable high-energy spot beams (150 miles in diameter), serves users equipped with small antenna terminals. Extensive structural and thermal analyses have been performed for simulating the ACTS MBA on-orbit performance. The results show that the reflector surfaces (mainly the front subreflector), antenna support assembly, and metallic surfaces on the spacecraft body will be distorted because of the thermal effects of varying solar heating, which degrade the ACTS MBA performance. Since ACTS was launched, a number of evaluations have been performed to assess MBA performance in the space environment. For example, the on-orbit performance measurements found systematic environmental disturbances to the MBA beam pointing. These disturbances were found to be imposed by the attitude control system, antenna and spacecraft mechanical alignments, and on-orbit thermal effects. As a result, the MBA may not always exactly cover the intended service area. In addition, the on-orbit measurements showed that antenna pointing accuracy is the performance parameter most sensitive to thermal distortions on the front subreflector surface and antenna support assemblies. Several compensation approaches were tested and evaluated to restore on-orbit pointing stability. A combination of autotrack (75 percent of the time) and Earth sensor control (25 percent of the time) was found to be the best way to compensate for antenna pointing error during orbit. This approach greatly minimizes the effects of thermal distortions on antenna beam pointing.

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NASA NTRS1998

Tunable Dielectric Materials and Devices for Broadband Wireless Communications

Wireless and satellite communications are a rapidly growing industries which are slated for explosive growth into emerging countries as well as countries with advanced economies. The dominant trend in wireless communication systems is towards broadband applications such as multimedia file transfer, video transmission and Internet access. These applications require much higher data transmission rates than those currently used for voice transmission applications. To achieve these higher data rates, substantially larger bandwidths and higher carrier frequencies are required. A key roadblock to implementing these systems at K-band (18-26.5 GHz) and Ka-band (26.5-40 GHz) is the need to develop hardware which meets the requirements for high data rate transmission in a cost effective manner. In this chapter, we report on the status of tunable dielectric thin films for devices, such as resonators, filters, phased array antennas, and tunable oscillators, which utilize nonlinear tuning in the control elements. Paraelectric materials such as Barium Strontium Titanate ((Ba, Sr)TiO3) have dielectric constants which can be tuned by varying the magnitude of the electric field across the material. Therefore, these materials can be used to control the frequency and/or phase response of various devices such as electronically steerable phased array antennas, oscillators, and filters. Currently, tunable dielectric devices are being developed for applications which require high tunability, low loss, and good RF power-handling capabilities at microwave and millimeter-wave frequencies. These properties are strongly impacted by film microstructure and device design, and considerable developmental work is still required. However, in the last several years enormous progress has occurred in this field, validating the potential of tunable dielectric technology for broadband wireless communication applications. In this chapter we summarize how film processing techniques, microwave test configurations, and prototype devices have combined to drive the field to its current stage of development.

Mueller, Carl H.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Life characteristics assessment of the communications technology satellite transmitter experiment package

The performance characteristics of the transmitter experiment package (TEP) aboard the Communications Technology Satellite (CTS) measured during its first 2 years in orbit are presented. The TEP consists of a nominal 200 watt output stage tube (OST), a supporting power processing system (PPS), and a variable conductance heat pipe system (VCHPS). The OST, a traveling wave tube augmented with a 10 stage depressed collector has an overall saturated average efficiency of 51.5 percent and an average saturated radio frequency (rf) output power at center band frequency of 240 watts. The PPS operated with a measured efficiency of 86.5 to 88.5 percent. The VCHPS, using three pipes to conduct heat from the PPS and the OST to a 52 by 124 centimeter radiator fin, maintained the PPS baseplate temperature below 50 C for all operating conditions. The TEP performance characteristics presented include frequency response, rf output power, thermal performance, and efficiency. Communications characteristics were evaluated by using both video and audio modulated signals. On four occasions, the TEP experienced temporary thermal control system malfunctions. The anomalies were terminated safely, and the problem was investigated because of the potential for TEP damage due to the signficant temperature increases. Safe TEP operating procedures were established.

Smetana, J.↗
NASA NTRS1992

ETS-5, ETS-6, and COMETS projects in Japan

Three satellite communication projects now in progress in Japan are described. The first is a project to establish a telecommunication network for tele-education, TV conference, and tele-medicine in the Asia-Pacific region by using the Japan's Engineering Test Satellite-5 (ETS-5). The second is a project of the ETS-6 satellite, to be launched in 1993, for inter-satellite communication, mobile and fixed communication, and millimeter wave personal communication experiments. The third is a project of the Communications and Broadcasting Engineering Test Satellite (COMETS), to be launched in 1997, for advanced mobile satellite communication, inter-satellite link, and advanced broadcasting experiments at higher frequencies.

Iida, Takashi↗
NASA NTRS1977

Design, construction and testing of the Communications Technology Satellite protection against spacecraft charging

Detailed discussions are presented of the measures taken on the Communications Technology Satellite (CTS or Hermes) which provide protection against the effects of spacecraft charging. These measures include: a comprehensive grounding philosophy and implementation; provision of command and data line transmitters and receivers for transient noise immunity; and a fairly restrictive EMI specification. Ground tests were made on materials and the impact of these tests on the CTS spacecraft is described. Hermes, launched on 17 January 1976 on a 2914 Delta vehicle, has successfully completed 10 months of operations. Anomalies observed are being assessed in relation to spacecraft charging, but no definite correlations have yet been established. A list of conclusions with regard to the CTS experience is given and recommendations for future spacecraft are also listed.

Gore, J. V.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Millimeter wave satellite concepts, volume 1

The identification of technologies necessary for development of millimeter spectrum communication satellites was examined from a system point of view. Development of methodology based on the technical requirements of potential services that might be assigned to millimeter wave bands for identifying the viable and appropriate technologies for future NASA millimeter research and development programs, and testing of this methodology with selected user applications and services were the goals of the program. The entire communications network, both ground and space subsystems was studied. Cost, weight, and performance models for the subsystems, conceptual design for point-to-point and broadcast communications satellites, and analytic relationships between subsystem parameters and an overall link performance are discussed along with baseline conceptual systems, sensitivity studies, model adjustment analyses, identification of critical technologies and their risks, and brief research and development program scenarios for the technologies judged to be moderate or extensive risks. Identification of technologies for millimeter satellite communication systems, and assessment of the relative risks of these technologies, was accomplished through subsystem modeling and link optimization for both point-to-point and broadcast applications.

Hilsen, N. B.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Development of drive mechanisms for communicaton satellites

A distinguished pedigree is an important asset in the development of Aerospace mechanisms. Four drives recently developed for communication satellites are outgrowths of a previously-proven drive configuration. Pedigree by itself, however is not enough to generate success. Inevitably, design changes which are thought to be minor, are generally introduced to fine tune the pedigreed hardware to meet particular requirements of a specific new application. Such design changes are often viewed too casually and are not thoroughly tested in the early development stages of the program. Two areas of design change are described on the solar array drive applied to the Japanese Broadcast Satellite which led to subsequent problems during the development phase of the program. The methods applied to establish the cause and the solution of these problems are described as well as the testing approach adapted to prevent similar occurrences on the current Communication Satellite Program, The Defense System Communications Satellite III.

Schneider, A. C.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Dynamic rain fade compensation techniques for the advanced communications technology satellite

The dynamic and composite nature of propagation impairments that are incurred on earth-space communications links at frequencies in and above the 30/20 GHz Ka band necessitate the use of dynamic statistical identification and prediction processing of the fading signal in order to optimally estimate and predict the levels of each of the deleterious attenuation components. Such requirements are being met in NASA's Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) project by the implementation of optimal processing schemes derived through the use of the ACTS Rain Attenuation Prediction Model and nonlinear Markov filtering theory. The ACTS Rain Attenuation Prediction Model discerns climatological variations on the order of 0.5 deg in latitude and longitude in the continental U.S. The time-dependent portion of the model gives precise availability predictions for the 'spot beam' links of ACTS. However, the structure of the dynamic portion of the model, which yields performance parameters such as fade duration probabilities, is isomorphic to the state-variable approach of stochastic control theory and is amenable to the design of such statistical fade processing schemes which can be made specific to the particular climatological location at which they are employed.

Manning, Robert M.↗