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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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NASA NTRS1987

VSAT networks - An overview

This paper examines the technology and constraints of very small aperture terminals (VSAT) networks, a special type of wide-area thin-route satellite network that represents a recent innovation in the field of satellite communications. VSAT network architectures suitable for both data and voice communications are studied in this paper. Several issues concerning the frequency of operations, that is, C-band versus Ku-band are examined, and trade-offs between nonspread spectrum and spread spectrum techniques, as well as modulation and multiple access schemes, are considered in detail. Link design examples are given to illustrate the performance of various types of VSAT networks.

Maggenti, Mark↗
NASA NTRS1987

Spectrum utilization for the International Space Station communications and tracking systems

The frequency spectrum which will be used over the lifetime of the International Space Station Program is discussed. Primary communications traffic will initially occur in the S-band and Ku-band regions. Tracking will initially consist mostly of L-band satellite links. As the service demand increases, use of millimeter and optical wavelengths will be required. The particular space/ground links, space/space links, and other links that will be used are described.

Novosad, Sydney W.↗
NASA NTRS1987

TDRS Ku band gateway

The Wideband Transport Frame Formatter (WTFF) is the tracking and data relay satellite (TDRS) ku-band return link gateway. The WTFF system is a multiplexing device developed to process and downlink the high rate data generated by a wide variety of users. The WTFF is designed to frame and format high data rate user channels into transport frames and multiplex according to a predefined schedule into two bit streams that are compatible with TDRS Ku I and Q band service. The combined data rate will be 300 Mbps. The WTFF will service up to eight input channels generating data in the range of 10 to 150 Mbps. In addition to these input channels, audio data will be accepted by the WTFF system and inserted in the downlink. A second function of the WTFF is to provide telecommunication coding as assigned to each virtual channel to ensure a given quality of service.

Collins, Cynthia↗
NASA NTRS1988

Interference by rain scatter

The data from Japan and the U.S. (the Virginia Precipitation Scatter Experiment) show excellent agreement between the two-component rain scatter model predictions and bistatic scatter measurements. In employing the model, all the scattering geometries should be classified as backscattering as defined by Crane (1974). The forward scatter model should only be used for great circle paths with both antennas pointed at the horizon and at each other in a typical troposcatter communication system geometry. The forward scatter model can also be used for main-lobe, side-lobe coupling when one antenna is pointed toward the other along the great circle path. The forward scatter observations made over the Prospect Hill - Mt Tug path show that the two-component model is incomplete. Much stronger signals were observed at Ku-band than expected based on simultaneous C-band measurements. The discrepancies may be due to: (1) scattering by ice/snow at height (posssible in April) at the 1 km height of the scattering volume), (2) the coherent effects of turbulent fluctuations in the hydrometeor number densities and (3) errors in the modeling of the statistical relationship between attenuation along the path and scattering in the common volume.

Crane, Robert K.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Studies of the dependence of the microwave radar cross section on ocean surface variables during the FASINEX experiment

The ability of theoretical radar cross section (RCS) models to predict the absolute magnitude of the ocean radar cross section under a wide variety of sea and atmospheric conditions was studied using experimental data from the FASINEX Experiment. This consists of RCS data from a Ku-band scatterometer mounted on an aircraft (10 separate flights were conducted), a wide variety of atmospheric measurements (including stress) and sea conditions. Theoretical models are tested. Where discrepancies are observed, revisions are hypothesized and evaluated.

Weissman, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Practical constraints on network architecture and signalling in the MSAT system

Telesat Mobile Inc. plans to provide mobile satellite communications services in Canada in 1993/4, in close cooperation with the American Mobile Satellite Consortium Inc., which will be providing services in the U.S.A. L-band frequencies will be used in multiple beams for communication with mobile terminals. Ku-band frequencies will be used for the feeder-links to fixed stations. The system will support voice and data communications. The baseline Canadian system will support approximately 450 assignable voice channels, some fraction of which will be the equivalent in data channels. The method of multiple access will be Frequency Division Multiple Access/Single Channel Per Carrier. The availability of frequencies, the availability of technology and the time scale for implementation all constrain the network architecture for the system. Further, it is important to have an open specification to encourage multiple equipment vendors. The interplay of these constraints is discussed.

Davies, N. George↗
NASA NTRS1988

VLBI tracking of the TDRS

The use of radio interferometry is being investigated by NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center as a means to track the TDRS geostationary satellites. This technique offers the advantages of very high accuracy using a ground network confined to the continental U.S. and minimal (or no) impact on spacecraft systems as the downlink transmissions can be used passively. A demonstration experiment was performed using very long baseline interferometry (VLBI). The TDRS-E was observed at S-band over a 28-hour definitive period together with dual X/S-band calibration observations of quasars. An orbit was determined for TDRS-E which agrees within estimated error bars with the orbit solution from NASA's operational tracking system but with about half the uncertainty. It was found that, for S-band tracking, the ionosphere is the largest source of orbit error. Use of Ku-band tracking instead would permit geostationary orbits accurate at the 10-m level.

Ray, J.↗
NASA NTRS1988

ROWS observations of directional wave spectra in Fasinex

Data acquired by the NASA Ku-band Radar Ocean Wave Spectrometer (ROWS) during NASA P-3 flights in Fasinex (the Frontal Air-Sea Interaction Experiment) on February 21 and 26, 1986 are analyzed. The ROWS technique consists of measuring the directional reflectivity spectrum of the sea surface via a combination of range and azimuth scattering. The nondirectional height-frequency spectrum corresponding to the directional wave spectrum for February 26 is presented.

Jackson, F. C.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Studies of the radar cross section variations near the frontal boundary during Fasinex

The relationship between Amscat scatterometer measurements during Fasinex (the Frontal Air-Sea Interaction Experiment) and surface winds, waves, and surface stress is studied. Fasinex, which took place during the winter/spring of 1985-1986, focused on an oceanic front in the subtropical convergence zone southwest of Bermuda. Particular attention is given to data collected on February 18 when the Ku-band scatterometer measured the radar cross sections along two 80-km flight paths that ran north-south, approximately perpendicular to the front boundary.

Weissman, David E.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Independent Orbiter Assessment (IOA): Analysis of the mechanical actuation subsystem

The results of the Independent Orbiter Assessment (IOA) of the Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Critical Items List (CIL) are presented. The IOA approach features a top-down analysis of the hardware to determine failure modes, criticality, and potential critical items. To preserve independence, this analysis was accomplished without reliance upon the results contained within the NASA FMEA/CIL documentation. This report documents the independent analysis results corresponding to the Orbiter Mechanical Actuation System (MAS) hardware. Specifically, the MAS hardware consists of the following components: Air Data Probe (ADP); Elevon Seal Panel (ESP); External Tank Umbilical (ETU); Ku-Band Deploy (KBD); Payload Bay Doors (PBD); Payload Bay Radiators (PBR); Personnel Hatches (PH); Vent Door Mechanism (VDM); and Startracker Door Mechanism (SDM). The IOA analysis process utilized available MAS hardware drawings and schematics for defining hardware assemblies, components, and hardware items. Each level of hardware was evaluated and analyzed for possible failure modes and effects. Criticality was assigned based upon the severity of the effect for each failure mode.

Bacher, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Independent Orbiter Assessment (IOA): Assessment of the mechanical actuation subsystem, volume 1

The results of the Independent Orbiter Assessment (IOA) of the Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Critical Items List (CIL) are presented. The IOA approach features a top-down analysis of the hardware to determine draft failure modes, criticality, and potential critical items. To preserve independence, this analysis was accomplished without reliance upon the results contained within the NASA FMEA/CIL documentation. The IOA results were then compared to the proposed Post 51-L NASA FMEA/CIL baseline that was available. A resolution of each discrepancy from the comparison was provided through additional analysis as required. These discrepancies were flagged as issues, and recommendations were made based on the FMEA data available at the time. This report documents the results of that comparison for the Orbiter Mechanical Actuation System (MAS) hardware. Specifically, the MAS hardware consists of the following components: Air Data Probe (ADP); Elevon Seal Panel (ESP); External Tank Umbilical (ETU); Ku-Band Deploy (KBD); Payload Bay Doors (PBD); Payload Bay Radiators (PBR); Personnel Hatches (PH); Vent Door Mechanism (VDM); and Startracker Door Mechanism (SDM). Criticality was assigned based upon the severity of the effect for each failure mode.

Bradway, M. W.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Independent Orbiter Assessment (IOA): Assessment of the mechanical actuation subsystem, volume 2

The results of the Independent Orbiter Assessment (IOA) of the Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Critical Items List (CIL) are presented. The IOA approach features a top-down analysis of the hardware to determine draft failure modes, criticality, and potential critical items. To preserve independence, this analysis was accomplished without reliance upon the results contained within the NASA FMEA/CIL documentation. The IOA results were then compared to the proposed Post 51-L NASA FMEA/CIL baseline that was available. A resolution of each discrepancy from the comparison was provided through additional analysis as required. These discrepancies were flagged as issues, and recommendations were made based on the FMEA data available at the time. This report documents the results of that comparison for the Orbiter Mechanical Actuation System (MAS) hardware. Specifically, the MAS hardware consists of the following components: Air Data Probe (ADP); Elevon Seal Panel (ESP); External Tank Umbilical (ETU); Ku-Band Deploy (KBD); Payload Bay Doors (PBD); Payload Bay Radiators (PBR); Personnel Hatches (PH); Vent Door Mechanism (VDM); and Startracker Door Mechanism (SDM). Criticality was assigned based upon the severity of the effect for each failure mode. Volume 2 continues the presentation of IOA analysis worksheets and contains the potential critical items list, detailed analysis, and NASA FMEA/CIL to IOA worksheet cross reference and recommendations.

Bradway, M. W.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Seasat over-land scatterometer data. II - Selection of extended area land-target sites for the calibration of spaceborne scatterometers

The post-launch performance verification for future scatterometers can use extended area land targets to calibrate antenna gain patterns and to verify and monitor deployment configurations. For the Ku-band Seasat scatterometer, a region of tropical rain forest in the Amazon basin was used as a homogeneous extended-area land target. As this region is continuously being deforested, other regions are investigated for calibrating scatterometers. The global backscatter coefficients (sigma0) are compared to classifications of natural vegetation and cultivation intensity and the variability with time during the three-month mission is studied. The statistical variability of sigma0 is compared with prior estimates resulting from the known variability of the instrument parameters and communication noise. Data from selected forested regions with relatively homogeneous sigma0 and little time-dependence are presented.

Kennett, Rosemary G.↗
NASA NTRS1990

A performance analysis of DS-CDMA and SCPC VSAT networks

Spread-spectrum and single-channel-per-carrier (SCPC) transmission techniques work well in very small aperture terminal (VSAT) networks for multiple-access purposes while allowing the earth station antennas to remain small. Direct-sequence code-division multiple-access (DS-CDMA) is the simplest spread-spectrum technique to use in a VSAT network since a frequency synthesizer is not required for each terminal. An examination is made of the DS-CDMA and SCPC Ku-band VSAT satellite systems for low-density (64-kb/s or less) communications. A method for improving the standardf link analysis of DS-CDMA satellite-switched networks by including certain losses is developed. The performance of 50-channel full mesh and star network architectures is analyzed. The selection of operating conditions producing optimum performance is demonstrated.

Hayes, David P.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Measurements of sea spikes in microwave backscatter at moderate incidence

Quantitative measurements of the relationship between the friction velocity and sea spikes in the mean normalized radar cross section (MNRCS) are presented. The intensity threshold for the definition of sea spike contribution to the MNRCS is used to count large sea spikes associated with a positive mean Doppler frequency. The proposed method is applied to Ku-band measurements made with a dual-polarized Doppler scatterometer at a moderate incidence angle from a fixed platform in the North Sea. The variation of the sea spike contribution to the MNRCS with friction velocity was found to be consistent with Phillips' (1988) prediction of a cubic dependence.

Jessup, A. T.↗
NASA NTRS1990

The reflection and transmission properties of a triple band dichroic surface

The development of a triple-band dichroic surface design is detailed that is reflective in the Ka-band from 22.5 to 27.3 GHz and the Ku-band from 13.7 to 15.1 GHz, yet transparent in the S-band from 2.0 to 2.3 GHz, for all planes of incidence, and for all angles of incidence out to eta = 45 deg. The design is comprised of two gangbuster whole-surfaces separated by a distance, d, that is comparable to a fraction of a wavelength in S-band, and enhanced by the addition of a dielectric matching plate. The gangbuster array is comprised of tightly packed straight skewed dipole elements referred to as half-surfaces. Two of these half-surfaces are oriented orthogonal to each other and placed an array separation distance, s, apart to form the gangbuster whole-surface which allows any arbitrary plane of incidence. Results are given for the triple-band design with and without dielectric and conduction losses. The cross polarization properties of the dichroic surface was further investigated. It is shown that the reflection cross polarized component is dominated by the geometry of the front whole surface of the design (particularly the array separation s) and is never more than -22.5 dB in the frequency band 0 to 30 GHz. The transmission cross polarization component is dependent on both whole-surfaces and is never more than -30 dB in the same frequency band.

Schneider, S. W.↗
NASA NTRS1990

International Space Network interoperability results and status

In 1986, NASA, ESA, and NASDA instituted the Space Network Interoperability Panel (SNIP) to coordinate the activities of these three national agencies during the exploratory phase of new space communications systems' development. To date, the deliberations of SNIP have led to (1) ESA's changing of its European Data Relay Satellite's S-band center frequency from fixed to tunable, (2) NASDA's changing of two comsats' Ka-band return link frequency from 32 GHz to the 26 GHz standard adopted by ESA, and (3) NASA's adoption of the Ka-band, in addition to the Ku-band, as the high data rate interorbital link of the ATDRS. A tabulation of interoperability considerations for the three space agencies is presented.

Fahnestock, Dale↗
NASA NTRS1990

Frame synchronization for a channel with different data rates

In some communication links, different data rates are used at different times on the same channel and each is assigned a separate frame synchronization (sync) marker. The frame search is completed within a finite number of frame intervals once both phase-lock and bit-sync are achieved because the incoming data rate can change. The probability of failure to frame-lock, and an upper bound of probability of false frame-lock in a frame search mode are derived for a communication link with a 10 to the -5th bit error probability. The probability of failure to detect data-rate change and the probability of false detection of data-rate change in a frame-lock mode are discussed. In a frame-lock mode, the probability of failure to detect data-rate change and probability detection of data-rate change an equal to 4.96 x 10 to the -12th. A frame-lock device can be used for the Space Station Freedom Ku-band return link.

Kwon, Hyuck M.↗