Engineering topics

Bhanji, Alaudin M.

Publications and source records attributed to Bhanji, Alaudin M..

4 records

NASA NTRS2006

Changes in the Deep Space Network to Support the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter

In August of 2005, the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) was launched. Its mission is to orbit Mars, performing remote sensing of the planet. Its mission will either introduce new, or greatly expand upon, deep space telecommunication capabilities. To support the MRO requirements, there have been multiple changes implemented in NASA's Deep Space Network. These changes include the first deep space usage of Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK), high rate turbo coded links (up to 1.6 Mbps), high rate Reed-Solomon coded links (6 Mbps), and characterization and utilization of Ka-band for the downlink, both for telemetry and for navigational purposes. The challenges of implementing these changes are discussed.

Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK)↗

NASA NTRS1999

The Future of the Deep Space Network: Technology Development for K2-Band Deep Space Communications

Projections indicate that in the future the number of NASA's robotic deep space missions is likely to increase significantly. A launch rate of up to 4-6 launches per year is projected with up to 25 simultaneous missions active [I]. Future high resolution mapping missions to other planetary bodies as well as other experiments are likely to require increased downlink capacity. These future deep space communications requirements will, according to baseline loading analysis, exceed the capacity of NASA's Deep Space Network in its present form. There are essentially two approaches for increasing the channel capacity of the Deep Space Network. Given the near-optimum performance of the network at the two deep space communications bands, S-Band (uplink 2.025-2.120 GHz, downlink 2.2-2.3 GHz), and X-Band (uplink 7.145-7.19 GHz, downlink 8.48.5 GHz), additional improvements bring only marginal return for the investment. Thus the only way to increase channel capacity is simply to construct more antennas, receivers, transmitters and other hardware. This approach is relatively low-risk but involves increasing both the number of assets in the network and operational costs.

Bhanji, Alaudin M.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Design of a 1-MW CW 8.5 GHz transmitter for planetary RADAR

A proposed conceptual design for increasing the output power of an existing X-band planetary radar transmitter from 365 kW to 1 MW CW is discussed. The paper covers the basic transmitter system requirements as dictated by the specifications for the radar. The characteristics and expected performance of the high-power klystrons are considered and the transmitter power amplifier system is discussed. Also included in the discussion is the design of the exiter system. Two alternative feed systems for delivering the 1-MW CW signal to the antenna system are described. The expected performance of the beam supply, heat exchanger, and monitor and control devices is also presented. Finally, an assessment of the state-of-the-art technology to meet system requirements is given and possible areas of difficulty are summarized.

Hoppe, Daniel J.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Microwave Transmitter With Multimode Output Section

Output-waveguide structure transports 400 kW of continuous-wave signal power at 34.5 GHz. Transmitter generates 400 kW of continuous-wave (CW) signal power. Main feature of conceptual design of this microwave transmitter is output section. Output waveguide structure includes mode converter, directional coupler, polarization monitor, and corrugated overmoded output section. Output directional pattern suitable for antenna illumination without flared feedhorn.

Hoppe, Daniel J.↗