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Coffey, E. L., III

Publications and source records attributed to Coffey, E. L., III.

Antenna evaluation study for the shuttle multispectral radar, phase 3

The principal objectives of Phase III were: (1) to continue simulations of the effects of excitation errors in the performance of a planar array antenna, (2) to apply this model specifically, to the SIR-A antenna, (3) to support measurements of the SIR-A antenna at JPL by quick-turnaround analyses of the SIR-A antenna under a variety of conditions encountered at the JPL West Mesa Antenna Range, and (4) to document fully all software developed for NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) during Phases I, II, and III.

Coffey, E. L., III↗

Mathematical modeling and simulation of the space shuttle imaging radar antennas

Simulations of space shuttle synthetic aperture radar antennas under the influence of space environmental conditions were carried out at L, C, and X-band. Mathematical difficulties in modeling large, non-planar array antennas are discussed, and an approximate modeling technique is presented. Results for several antenna error conditions are illustrated in far-field profile patterns, earth surface footprint contours, and summary graphs.

Campbell, R. W.↗

Antenna evaluation study for the shuttle multispectral radar, phase 2

The results of the second phase of the Antenna Evaluation Study for the Shuttle Imaging Radar are presented. The objectives of Phase II were (1) to complete the specifications for the subarray test panels, (2) to begin a study of the effects of electrical and mechanical tolerance variations on overall SIRA performance, (3) to initiate the development of a mathematical model which adequately described the array performance and (4) to begin the development of a comprehensive computer program which will eventually simulate the performance characteristics of the antenna in a spaceborne environment. Items (2), (3), and (4) were begun in Phase I (ahead of schedule), and because of this, it has been possible to accelerate the Phase II modeling/simulation objectives to the point where simulations of expected mechanical/electrical errors have already been produced.

Coffey, E. L., III↗

Antenna evaluation study for the shuttle multispectral radar, phase 1

Critical parameters of the shuttle multispectral radar antenna (SMRA) which most affect antenna performance were identified. A preliminary methematical model is presented for describing SMRA performance under the influence of various physical and environmental factors which might degrade performance. Because user groups have not agreed on optimum frequencies best suited for the broadest range of application, the study incorporates frequencies ranging from 1.2 to 14.5 GHz, as well as a consideration of incidence angles from near nadir to nearly 50 deg.

Coffey, E. L., III↗