Development of telecommunication systems for EM-1 interplanetary CubeSat missions
UNKNOWN
Yarlagadda, A.↗
Engineering topics
Davarian, F.
Publications and source records attributed to Davarian, F..
The Deep Space Network in the Common Platform Era: A Prototype Implementation at DSS-13
To enhance NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN), an effort is underway to improve network performance and simplify its operation and maintenance. This endeavor, known as the "Common Platform," has both short- and long-term objectives. The long-term work has not begun yet; however, the activity to realize the short-term goals has started. There are three goals for the long-term objective: 1. Convert the DSN into a digital network where signals are digitized at the output of the down converters at the antennas and are distributed via a digital IF switch to the processing platforms. 2. Employ a set of common hardware for signal processing applications, e.g., telemetry, tracking, radio science and Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI). 3. Minimize in-house developments in favor of purchasing commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment. The short-term goal is to develop a prototype of the above at NASA's experimental station known as DSS-13. This station consists of a 34m beam waveguide antenna with cryogenically cooled amplifiers capable of handling deep space research frequencies at S-, X-, and Ka-bands. Without the effort at DSS-13, the implementation of the long-term goal can potentially be risky because embarking on the modification of an operational network without prior preparations can, among other things, result in unwanted service interruptions. Not only are there technical challenges to address, full network implementation of the Common Platform concept includes significant cost uncertainties. Therefore, a limited implementation at DSS-13 will contribute to risk reduction. The benefits of employing common platforms for the DSN are lower cost and improved operations resulting from ease of maintenance and reduced number of spare parts. Increased flexibility for the user is another potential benefit. This paper will present the plans for DSS-13 implementation. It will discuss key issues such as the Common Platform architecture, choice of COTS equipment, and the standard for radio frequency (RF) to digital interface.
Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN)↗
Optical Communications from Planetary Distances
Future planetary campaigns, including human missions, will require data rates difficult to realize by microwave links. Optical channels not only provide an abundance of bandwidth, they also allow for significant size, weight, and power reduction. Moreover, optical-based tracking may enhance spacecraft navigation with respect to microwave-based tracking. With all its advantages, optical communications from deep space is not without its challenges. Due to the extreme distance between the two ends of the link, specialized technologies are needed to enable communications in the deep space environment. Although some of the relevant technologies have been developed in the last decade, they remain to be validated in an appropriate domain. The required assets include efficient pulsed laser sources, modulators, transmitters, receivers, detectors, channel encoders, precise beam pointing technologies for the flight transceiver and large apertures for the ground receiver. Clearly, space qualification is required for the systems that are installed on a deep space probe. Another challenge is atmospheric effects on the optical beam. Typical candidate locations on the ground have a cloud-free line of sight only on the order of 60-70% of the time. Furthermore, atmospheric losses and background light can be problematic even during cloud-free periods. Lastly, operational methodologies are needed for efficient and cost effective management of optical links. For more than a decade, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has invested in relevant technologies and procedures to enable deep space optical communications capable of providing robust links with rates in the order of 1 Gb/s from Mars distance. A recent publication indicates that potential exists for 30-dB improvement in performance through technology development with respect to the state-of-the-art in the early years of this decade. The goal is to fulfill the deep space community needs from about 2020 to the foreseeable future. It is envisioned that, at least initially, optical links will be complemented by microwave assets for added robustness, especially for human missions. However, it is expected that as optical techniques mature, laser communications may be operated without conventional radio frequency links. The purpose of this paper is to briefly review the state-of-the-art in deep space laser communications and its challenges and discuss NASA-supported technology development efforts and plans for deep space optical communications at JPL.
Laser Communications↗
A Proposed Change to ITU-R Recommendation 681
Recommendation 681 of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) provides five models for the prediction of propagation effects on land mobile satellite links: empirical roadside shadowing (ERS), attenuation frequency scaling, fade duration distribution, non-fade duration distribution, and fading due to multipath. Because the above prediction models have been empirically derived using a limited amount of data, these schemes work only for restricted ranges of link parameters. With the first two models, for example, the frequency and elevation angle parameters are restricted to 0.8 to 2.7 GHz and 20 to 60 degrees, respectively. Recently measured data have enabled us to enhance the range of the first two schemes. Moreover, for convenience, they have been combined into a single scheme named the extended empirical roadside shadowing (EERS) model.
Davarian, F.↗
Ka-Band Propagation Research Using ACTS
The Ka band (20-30 GHz) is being explored as a communications band because of congestion in presently used bands. The Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) is being used to test use of the Ka band and how to deal with possible problems (e.g., rain attenuation due to shorter wavelengths).
propagation↗
Earth-Space Links and Fade-Duration Statistics
The available data on fade-duration statistics are reviewed, with emphasis on mobile and fixed satellite links. Fades in mobile links are due to roadside-tree shadowing, and fades in fixed links are due to rain attenuation.
fade-duration↗
ITU Recommendations Regarding Propagation Effects on Mobile Satellite Links
This paper briefly review reviews the structure of the ITU, its study groups, and its contributions to propagation modeling. The shortcomings of some of these models are examined and means to overcome them are noted.
ITU↗
ITU recommendations regarding propagation effects on mobile-satellite links
To predict the effect of radiowave propagation on mobile-satellite links, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) offers three Recommendations. These Recommendations have been developed by the participants of ITU Study Groups to enable service planners and design engineers of mobile-satellite systems to characterize the mobile satellite link. This paper briefly reviews the structure of the ITU, its Study Groups, and its contributions to propagation modeling. The shortcomings of some of these models are examined and means to overcome them have been pointed out. The protocol for participation in ITU Study Groups is very briefly discussed.
Davarian, F.↗
ACTS Propagation Campaign
Because of a shortage of propagation data in satellite links, the existing Ka-band propagation models are inadequate for accurately predicting tropospheric-induced anomalies of the slant path. To remedy this shortcoming, NASA has implemented the Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) Propagation Campaign.
Ka-band↗
New Challenges in Earth-Satellite Propagation Research
slant path propagation research contributes to new developments in satellite communications.
trunked point-to-point applications↗
Mobile Satellite Bands Between 1-30 GHz
The recent surge in mobile and personal communications has placed new demands on radio spectrum usage in the Earth-to-space direction. In response to this demand, the 1992 World Administrative Radio Conference (WARC-92) revised the table of frequency allocations for mobile-satellite applications.
mobile-satellite spectrum aeronautical exclusive b↗
An Update on NASA K(sub a) -Band Propagation Measurements
Recent and current Ka-band propagation efforts are centered around two space platforms of opportunity, namely, European Space Agency's Olympus and NASA's Acts satellites.
Ka band↗
Technology Issues for Mobile Ka-band Communications
The key to success of any future telecommunications System is its ability to provide many users with a diversity of services in a cost-effective manner. An important consideration is system capacity which is requred to suport a large pool of users and their varied demands.
Mobile Ka-band↗
Contribution Towards a Draft Revision of Recommendation 681 Propogation Data Required for the Design of Earth-Space Land Mobile Telecommunications Systems
Propogation models that can be used for the design of Earth-space land mobile-satellite telecommunications systems are presented. These models include: empirical roadside shadowing, attenuation frequency scaling, fade and non-fade duration distribution, multipath in a mountain environment, and multipath in a roadside tree environment. Propogation data from helicopter-mobile and satellite-mobile measurements in Australia and the United States were used to develop the models.
propogation propogation models satellite telecommu↗
Olympus propagation and communication experiments in the US
The participation of the United States in Olympus experiments is outlined. These include, basic propagation measurement, the Cooperative Data Exchange Experiment (CODE), a rain scatter interference measurement, a small scale diversity experiment, the Personal Access Satellite System (PASS), and all systems that use adaptive fade compensation techniques similar to the Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) of NASA.
Davarian, F.↗
Digital, Satellite-Based Aeronautical Communication
Satellite system relays communication between aircraft and stations on ground. System offers better coverage with direct communication between air and ground, costs less and makes possible new communication services. Carries both voice and data. Because many data exchanged between aircraft and ground contain safety-related information, probability of bit errors essential.
Davarian, F.↗
High-Capacity Aeronautical Satellite Communication System
System primarily designed to serve aircraft en route. Provides 5,093 forward communication channels and 7,093 reverse channels. This allocation of forward and reverse channels reflects anticipated communication traffic patterns. East and west satellites relay messages from ground to airplanes and from airplanes to ground. Use of two satellites instead of one increases availability of services and reliability of system.
Sue, M. K.↗