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At least 109 records · Page 6

DSS 13 antenna subsystem automation

Unattended station operation was implemented that permitted full operational control from the network operations center (NOCC). Sensors were installed in the mechanical subsystem to monitor critical functions and to permit automated premission checkout of the subsystem, automated reaction to component failure, and identification of failed components under control of the antenna pointing computer. This monitoring installation is a prototype for monitoring equipment to be installed throughout the DSN.

Phillips, H.↗

Geotechnical investigation report for proposed array of six 40-meter diameter antennas, Pioneer site, DSS 11, Goldstone, California tracking complex

The geotechnical investigation was conducted in three disciplines: (1) geological field reconnaissance of the general area of proposed construction; (2) geophysical seismic refraction survey of the localized area surrounding the six proposed antenna sites, including shear wave velocity determination; and (3) detailed foundation engineering investigation of each of the six sites. The investigations indicate that the six sites selected are relatively free from geologic hazards which would inhibit the proposed construction or future antenna operations.

Sweitzer, J. S.↗

Utilization of the Venus Station (DSS 13) 26 meter antenna during CY 1979

The various activities for which the Venus Station's 26 m antenna was used are described and the number of manned tracking hours devoted to each activity are given. A brief description of the goal of each activity supported is provided, and, where appropriate, the observing technique is summarized. Projects involving spacecraft tracking, advanced systems development, and radio astronomy are included.

Jackson, E. B.↗

A prototype DSN X/S-band feed: DSS 13 application status

A prototype X/S-band common aperture horn feed for future use at various DSN sites and the Network Consolidation Program is discussed. The final design and fabrication of the second generation feedhorn and combiner is dealt with. The results of the measurements obtained with the second generation, full scale feed configuration are presented.

Williams, W.↗

DSS command software update

The modifications, additions, and testing results for a version of the Deep Space Station command software, generated for support of the Voyager Saturn encounter, are discussed. The software update requirements included efforts to: (1) recode portions of the software to permit recovery of approximately 2000 words of memory; (2) correct five Voyager Ground data System liens; (3) provide capability to automatically turn off the command processor assembly local printer during periods of low activity; and (4) correct anomalies existing in the software.

Stinnett, W. G.↗

DSS 14 64-meter antenna. Computed RF pathlength changes under gravity loadings

Using a computer model of the reflector structure and its supporting assembly of the 64-m antenna rotating about the elevation axis, the radio frequency (RF) pathlengths changes resulting from gravity loadings were computed. A check on the computed values was made by comparing the computed foci offsets with actual field readings of the Z or axial focussing required for elevation angle changes.

Katow, M. S.↗

Evaluation of DSS-14 pedestal-review of top surface repair procedures

Proposed repair procedures for the top surface of the pedestal supporting the hydrostatic bearing runner for the 64m Antenna are presented. These procedures included: (1) removal of existing grout and concrete to approximately 8 in. below original concrete surface using a presplitting technique with expansive cement followed by secondary breaking; (2) preparation of exposed concrete surface including an epoxy bonding agent; and (3) replacement of material removed with 8 in. of new concrete surface including an epoxy bonding agent; and (4) replacement of material removed with 8 in. of new concrete and 4 in. of new grout.

Oesterle, R. G.↗

Repair of the DSS-14 Pedestal Concrete

About three years after the Goldstone Deep Space Station antenna was dedicated, grout under the hydrostatic bearing runner was found to be interacting with the runner, causing rust to form between the runner and the sole plates upon which it rests. The rust formed unevenly and the runner could not be kept flat so in 1969 the grout was removed and replaced with a Portland cement and sand dry pack grout that was less likely to produce rust. In the years that followed, oil leaking from the runner assembly caused progressive deterioration of the drypack grout. In 1982 over one thousand hours of spacecraft tracking time were lost due to this deterioration. A plan was developed to rehabilitate the bearing. The plan called for raising the rotating structure free from the concrete pedestal and placing it on three pairs of external support columns. With the weight of the structure transferred to the columns, the pads and runner could be removed and the repair started. The very successful repair included the replacement of a significant portion of the antenna pedestal.

Mcclure, D.↗

DSS 43 64-meter antenna S- and X-band efficiency and system noise temperature calibrations, January 1987

The Deep Space Network (DSN) 64-meter antenna in Australia has been calibrated prior to its upgrading to a 70-meter configuration in preparation for the Voyager Neptune encounter in August 1989. The S-band (2285 MHz) and X-band (8420 MHz) antenna area efficiency and system noise temperature calibrations were carried out during December 1986 and January 1987 to establish a baseline system performance for this station.

Slobin, S. D.↗

DSS 43 antenna gain analysis for Voyager Uranus encounter: 8.45-GHz radio science data correction

A malfunction of the Deep Space Network (DSN) 64-meter antenna in Australia forced the antenna to operate with a mispositioned subreflector during the Voyager Uranus encounter period (January 24, 1986). Because of changing main reflector shape and quadripod position as a function of elevation angle, the antenna gain and pointing were not as expected, and the 8.45 GHz received signal level changed during the pass. The study described here used the Geometrical Theory of Diffraction (GTD) analysis to determine actual antenna gain and pointing during that period in an attempt to reconstruct the radio science data. It is found that the 1.4 dB of signal variation can be accounted for by antenna geometry changes and pointing error. Suggested modifications to the values measured during the pass are presented. Additionally, an extremely useful tool for the analysis of gravity deformed reflectors was developed for use in future antenna design and analysis projects.

Slobin, S. D.↗

A 2.3-GHz cryogenically cooled HEMT amplifier for DSS 13

A prototype 2.3 GHz (S band) high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) amplifier/closed cycle refrigerator (CCR) system was installed in the DDS-13 feedcone, replacing the 2.3 GHz maser. The amplifier is cryogenically cooled to a physical temperature of 12 K and provides 31.5 K antenna system noise temperature and 29 dB of gain. The HEMT device used in the amplifier is a prototype.

Tanida, L.↗

Simultaneous S- and X-band uplink-downlink performance at DSS 13

The Deep Space Station 13 26-meter antenna with the second generation S/X feedcone was tested to determine the dual S- and X-band (2.1 to 2.3 GHz and 7.1 to 8.5 GHz) transmit and receive performance. Measurements were conducted using the 20 kW transmitters at S- and X-band while simultaneously receiving S- and X-band. This system proved to be very quiet compared with the other DSN antennas. Under normal tracking configurations, no noise burst or intermodulation product (IMP) activity was detectable to the -175 dBm level. To prove the instrumentation's ability to detect such phenomena, an IMP generator was introduced onto the system with positive, verifiable results. The IMP occurred at the -162 dBm level, accompanied by moderate noise burst activity, and was readily repeatable. The measurement also showed the possible need for additional fourth channel filtering in the system to reduce the effect of the transmitter power on the low noise amplifiers.

Freiley, A. J.↗

An 8.4-GHz cryogenically cooled HEMT amplifier for DSS 13

A prototype 8.4 GHz (X-band) high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) amplifier/closed cycle refrigerator system was installed in the Deep Space Station 13 feedcone in August 1987. The amplifier is cryogenically cooled to a physical temperature of 12 K and provides 31 K antenna noise temperature (zenith) and 35 dB of gain at a frequency of 8.2 to 8.6 GHz. Antenna system noise temperature is less than 50 K from 7.2 to 9.4 MHz. The low noise HEMT amplifier system is intended for use as a radio astronomy or space communications receiver front end.

Tanida, L.↗

RF performance measurement of the DSS-14 70-meter antenna at C-band/L-band

The calibration of the 70-meter antenna at C-band (5.01 GHz) and L-band (1.668 GHz) is described. This calibration comes after a modification to an existing L-band feed to include the C-band frequencies. The test technique employs noise-adding radiometers and associated equipment running simultaneously at both frequencies. The test procedure is described including block diagrams, and results are presented for efficiency, system temperature, and pointing.

Gatti, M. S.↗