TRISCAN: A method of precision antenna positioning

Abstract

The triangle (antenna) scan (TRISCAN) is a method of improving the alignment between the boresight of the Deep Space Network antennas and a particular target, spacecraft, or radio source (star). For stars, the method works in conjunction with the noise adding radiometer and the antenna pointing system to form estimates of the alignment offset coordinates. This information is then used to position the antenna for improved target alignment. A comparison with CONSCAN is included since a CONSCAN study led to TRISCAN development.