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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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Multiplexing technique for computer communications via satellite channels
Multiplexing scheme combines technique of dynamic allocation with conventional time-division multiplexing. Scheme is designed to expedite short-duration interactive or priority traffic and to delay large data transfers; as result, each node has effective capacity of almost total channel capacity when other nodes have light traffic loads.
A 200 Watt Traveling Wave-Tube for the Communications Technology Satellite
This final report presents the results of the design, development, and test of experimental and production units of a PPM focused traveling wave tube (L-5394) that produces 225 watts of CW RF power over 85 MHz centered at 12.080 GHz. The tube uses a coupled cavity RF circuit with a velocity taper for greater than 26 percent basic efficiency. Overall efficiency of 50 percent is achieved by the incorporation of a multistage depressed collector designed at NASA Lewis Research Center. The collector is cooled by direct radiation to deep space. The tube was designed to be used for broadcasting power transmission from a satellite.
Accelerated life tests of specimen heat pipe from Communication Technology Satellite (CTS) project
A gas-loaded variable conductance heat pipe of stainless steel with methanol working fluid identical to one now on the CTS satellite was life tested in the laboratory at accelerated conditions for 14 200 hours, equivalent to about 70 000 hours at flight conditions. The noncondensible gas inventory increased about 20 percent over the original charge. The observed gas increase is estimated to increase operating temperature by about 2.2 C, insufficient to harm the electronic gear cooled by the heat pipes in the satellite. Tests of maximum heat input against evaporator elevation agree well with the manufacturer's predictions.
Design and development of a solar array drive
The design and development of a dry lubricated direct drive solar array pointing mechanism is discussed for use on the Orbital Test Satellite (OTS), MAROTS, European Communication Satellite (ECS), and others. Results of life testing the original prototype and the OTS mechanism are presented together with an appraisal of expected future development.
Nodding feed antenna for communications with satellites in synchronous orbit
The design, fabrication, and performance of a parabolic, ground receiving antenna system with a feed that nods in one axis producing a maximum beam deviation 1.1 deg from boresight is described. The antenna design was: (1)to lower the weight (and the subsequent cost) of the supporting structure and the actuator motors for a tracking antenna by moving just the feed; (2) to use a manual tracking system eliminating the need for expensive electronic controls or computers; (3) to provide for several hours of unattended operation; and (4)to permit operation of the antenna by unskilled personnel. Also described are some physical and orbital phenomenon that effect the operation or design of the antenna. One is the motion of a nearly geostationary satellite due to gravitational forces from the sun, the moon, and other stellar bodies. Others are the rotation of the nodding axis and the feed polarization as a function of the location of the station on the earth. A comparison of per unit cost was made for one unit and a quantity of 100.
The solar power satellite concept - A space program perspective
The Space Shuttle will reduce the cost of transportation to space from thousands of dollars per pound to hundreds of dollars per pound. Studies of future systems indicate that these costs may be further reduced to tens of dollars per pound by using large space freighters, which would be required to build solar power satellites. It is pointed out that the Space Shuttle will provide a versatile tool in the 1980's to support the exploration of the solar power satellite concept as well as other space programs of the future. Three apparently different applications, related to materials processing in space, advanced satellite communications, and solar power satellites, have a number of common requirements. These include the need for large solar power arrays in space and/or the need to construct large systems in space. Consequently, a space program which includes development of the techniques for large power supplies and structural systems provides the basis for selecting and implementing any or all of these promising applications.
Design and development of a solar array drive
The design and development of a dry lubricated direct solar array pointing mechanism is discussed from its inception in 1970 to its present development into a flight mechanism for use on the Orbital Test Satellite (OTS), MAROTS, European Communication satellite and others. Results of life testing the original prototype and the OTS mechanism are presented together with an appraisal of expected future development.
A study of the benefits and cost-effectiveness of satellite-aided communications for emergency medical services, fighting forest fires and pickup and delivery trucking applications
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On-orbit control of the Communications Technology Satellite (CTS)/HERMES
A variety of control functions for the CIS HERMES satellite are reviewed. Its mission, to demonstrate high power SHF (12 GHz) transmission is discussed. The satellite was controlled in geostationary orbit for nearly four years from the satellite control center in Ottawa, Canada. Highlights of these operations are outlined. The interactions between many of the automatic onboard control functions and control from the ground are described. Special emphasis is placed on the characteristics and performance of the three axis attitude control system.
Mobile antenna and beam pointing studies for satellite mobile communications
The cost and performance of the mechanically scanned 1 x 4 planar array and the conformal array were developed further. Costs and designs of several antenna pointing techniques are reported.
Satellite data communications
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Mobile Communication Via Satellite
System mixes real-time and delayed-transmission channels. Combination of L-band and SHF links connect fixed and mobile equipment on ground to satellite relay. Software and hardware architecture conforms structure of open-system-interconnection model suggested by International Standards Organization.
The Challenges of Integrating and Testing the Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS)
The program for integration and testing the ACTS is outlined. Special attention is given to the test objectives, the ACTS automated ground equipment, the ACTS spacecraft test flow, and a near field antenna measurements system. The program is scheduled to take approximately 21 months and be completed during the 4th quarter of 1991. The launch of the ACTS spacecraft is scheduled for May 1992 from Cape Kennedy, as part of a Space Shuttle mission.
Proceedings of the Fourteenth NASA Propagation Experimenters Meeting (NAPEX 14) and the Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) Propagation Studies Miniworkshop
The NASA Propagation Experimenters Meeting (NAPEX), supported by the NASA Propagation Program, is convened annually to discuss studies made on radio wave propagation by investigators from domestic and international organizations. NAPEX XIV was held on May 11, 1990, at the Balcones Research Centers, University of Texas, Austin, Texas. The meeting was organized into two technical sessions: Satellite (ACTS) and the Olympus Spacecraft, while the second focused on the fixed and mobile satellite propagation studies and experiments. Following NAPEX XIV, the ACTS Miniworkshop was held at the Hotel Driskill, Austin, Texas, on May 12, 1990, to review ACTS propagation activities since the First ACTS Propagation Studies Workshop was held in Santa Monica, California, on November 28 and 29, 1989.
Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS)
An overview of the NASA ACTS program is presented. The key technologies of ACTS include spot beams, on-board baseband processing and routing, wide bandwidth (900 MHz), and Ka-band transponders. The discussion covers system description, current status of the spacecraft development, ACTS earth stations, NGS traffic terminal, USAT, land and aeronautical mobiles, high data rate and propagation receive only terminals, and ACTS experiments program.
Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS). Phase 1: Industrial/academic experimenters
This report presents the work done at Arizona State University under the ACTS Experimenters Program. The main thrust of the Program was to develop experiments to test, evaluate, and prove the commercial worthiness of the ACTS satellite which is scheduled for launch in 1993. To accomplish this goal, meetings were held with various governmental, industrial, and academic units to discuss the ACTS satellite and its technology and possible experiments that would generate industrial interest and support for ASU's efforts. Several local industries generated several experiments of their own. The investigators submitted several experiments of educational, medical, commercial, and technical value and interest. The disposition of these experimental proposals is discussed in this report.
Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS)
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