Data acquisition and editing for the celestial mechanics experiment

Abstract

A radio tracking subsystem is reported in which the critical elements are the frequency standard and its distribution subsystem, as they ultimately limit the accuracy of both range and Doppler measurements. A rubidium vapor standard serves as the primary reference. After frequency multiplication to S-band and additional amplification, the carrier is transmitted to the spacecraft where a phase-locked receiver-transmitter system filters the signal, introduces a slight frequency shift, and retransmits it to the ground. Doppler is measured by comparing the received frequency with that being transmitted.