Search NASA⌕ Search

Engineering topics

Kalil, Ford

Publications and source records attributed to Kalil, Ford.

Optical terminal definition for the Future Service Growth (FSG) module of the Advanced Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (ATDRSS)

Results are presented from preliminary analyses and definition studies for an optical terminal's incorporation into the FSG module of the ATDRS system, which must support crosslinks between selected relay satellites of a modified ATDRS constellation and thereby allow the placement of a relay satellite at an orbital location which eliminates the zone of exclusion. These studies have attempted to identify alternative constellations by means of one or more crosslinks, and to formulate the service-routing requirement for the FSG terminal. Attention is given to an FSG optical terminal that furnishes the functionality and performance required for a crosslink terminal.

Bruno, Ronald C.↗

Shuttle Laser Technology Experiment Facility (LTEF)-to-airplane lasercom experiment: Airplane considerations

NASA is considering the use of various airplanes for a Shuttle Laser Technology Experiment Facility (LTEF)-to-Airplane laser communications experiment. As supporting documentation, pertinent technical details are included about the potential use of airplanes located at Ames Research Center and Wallops Flight Facility. The effects and application of orbital mechanics considerations are also presented, including slant range, azimuth, elevation, and time. The pros and cons of an airplane equipped with a side port with a bubble window versus a top port with a dome are discussed.

Kalil, Ford↗

Magnetic Tape Recording for the Eighties

The practical and theoretical aspects of state-of-the-art magnetic tape recording technology are reviewed. Topics covered include the following: (1) analog and digital magnetic tape recording, (2) tape and head wear, (3) wear testing, (4) magnetic tape certification, (5) care, handling, and management of magnetic tape, (6) cleaning, packing, and winding of magnetic tape, (7) tape reels, bands, and packaging, (8) coding techniques for high-density digital recording, and (9) tradeoffs of coding techniques.

Kalil, Ford↗