Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Larkin, W. E..
The launching of deep space payloads via the Space Shuttle vehicle of the Space Transportation System, rather than via expendable launch vehicles, is described. Changes in procedures and data flow configurations for both the flight project and DSN during the launch period are required. A typical Galileo launch period sequence of events and telemetry and command data flow configurations are described.
The support provided by the Deep Space Network to the Viking Project from 1 June 1978 to 30 April 1980 is described. The project was supported by the worldwide network of Deep Space Stations with 26- and 64-meter-diameter antennas, together with a ground communications system, for the transmission of commands, telemetry, radio metric data, and operational instructions between the stations and the network operation control center in Pasadena, California. Assistance was substantially less than in the previous phases of the Viking Project in order to provide adequate support to the Pioneer and Voyager Projects.