Tracking and data relay satellite system - An overview
Tracking and data relay satellite system in low altitude synchronous orbit
Barritt, P. F.↗
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The New Space Network: the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System
When the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS)is completed, the system, together with its various NASA support elements will be known simply as the Space Networks. It will substantially increase information exchanges between low-orbiting spacecraft and the ground. The structural design, functions, earth-based links, and present and future use are discussed.
Froehlich, W.↗
An overview of reference user services during the ATDRSS (Advanced Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System) era
The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) is an integral part of the overall NASA Space Network (SN) that will continue to evolve into the 1990's. Projections for the first decade of the 21st century indicate the need for an SN evolution that must accommodate growth int he LEO user population and must further support the introduction of new/improved user services. A central ingredient of this evolution is an Advanced TDRSS (ATDRSS) follow-on to the current TDRSS that must initiate operations by the late 1990's in a manner that permits an orderly transition from the TDRSS to the ATDRSS era. An SN/ATDRSS architectural and operational concept that will satisfy the above goals is being developed. To this date, an SN/ATDRSS baseline concept was established that provides users with an end-to-end data transport (ENDAT) service. An expanded description of the baseline ENDAT concept, from the user perspective, is provided with special emphasis on the TDRSS/ATDRSS evolution. A high-level description of the end-to-end system that identifies the role of ATDRSS is presented; also included is a description of the baseline ATDRSS architecture and its relationship with the TDRSS 1996 baseline. Other key features of the ENDAT service are then expanded upon, including the multiple grades of service, and the RF telecommunications/tracking services to be available. The ATDRSS service options are described.
Weinberg, Aaron↗
Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-3) Range Biases and Momentum Unload Modeling for Terra (EOS-AMI)
The Flight Dynamics Facility (FDF) reports its performance in meeting Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) predicted ephemeris accuracy requirements with TDRS-3. The Terra (Earth Observing System AM-1) satellite has 3-sigma TDRS requirements of 75 m for total position accuracy predicted over one day onboard. The study sample includes selected cases over 21 months after Guam Remote Ground Terminal (GRGT) support started in June 1998. For daily solutions with a 1.5-day prediction span, predicted results of the study were below the Terra requirement by at least 12 m. Refined range bias estimation and modeled momentum unloads are needed to meet Terra's requirements for TDRS-3. Maintained at 275 W longitude over the zone of exclusion, TDRS-3 is analyzed separately from other TDRSs because of its unique tracking data. Only the Bilateration Ranging Transponder (BRT) at Alice Springs (ALS), Australia, and the Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TT&C) system at Guam are used for routine operational tracking data for TDRS-3. Simultaneous batch orbit solutions with three TDRSs and either the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (GRO) or Terra were done with the Goddard Trajectory Determination System (GTDS) to periodically refine the TT&C and BRT System (BRTS) range biases. As new biases were determined, significant changes were made in estimating the absolute position. FDF achieved similar results using a sequential filter with all operational TDRSs and four user satellites. Definitive accuracy (3-sigma) is expected to be below 50 m. The White Sands Complex (WSC) performs momentum unloads to maintain three-axis stabilized attitude of TDRSs. The relationship between velocity changes (delta-V) and reaction wheel speed changes was empirically determined for roll/yaw unloads. A theoretical relationship was verified and used for pitch unloads. Modeling both pitch and roll/yaw momentum unloads is necessary to meet the 75-m requirement. Moving the orbit solution epoch an hour before a momentum unload can improve delta-V optimization and prediction accuracy over 1.5 days.
Ward, Douglas T.↗
Preprocessing: Geocoding of AVIRIS data using navigation, engineering, DEM, and radar tracking system data
Remotely sensed data have geometric characteristics and representation which depend on the type of the acquisition system used. To correlate such data over large regions with other real world representation tools like conventional maps or Geographic Information System (GIS) for verification purposes, or for further treatment within different data sets, a coregistration has to be performed. In addition to the geometric characteristics of the sensor there are two other dominating factors which affect the geometry: the stability of the platform and the topography. There are two basic approaches for a geometric correction on a pixel-by-pixel basis: (1) A parametric approach using the location of the airplane and inertial navigation system data to simulate the observation geometry; and (2) a non-parametric approach using tie points or ground control points. It is well known that the non-parametric approach is not reliable enough for the unstable flight conditions of airborne systems, and is not satisfying in areas with significant topography, e.g. mountains and hills. The present work describes a parametric preprocessing procedure which corrects effects of flight line and attitude variation as well as topographic influences and is described in more detail by Meyer.
Meyer, Peter↗
Proprocessing: Geocoding of AVIRIS Data Using Navigation, Engineering, DEM, and Radar Tracking System Data
Remotely sensed data have geometric characteristics and representation which depend on the type of the acquisition system used. To correlate such data over large regions with other real world representation lools like conventional maps or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for verification purposes, or for further treatment within different data sets, a coregistration has to be performed.
topography stability of the platform sensor flight↗
NASA Historical Data Book: NASA Space Applications, Aeronautics and Space Research and Technology, Tracking and Data Acquisition/Support Operations, Commercial Programs and - Volume 6
This sixth volume of the NASA Historical Data Book is a continuation of those earlier efforts. This fundamental reference tool presents information, much of it statistical, documenting the development of several critical areas of NASA responsibility for the period between 1979 and 1988. This volume includes detailed information on the space applications effort, the development and operation of aeronautics and space research and technology programs, tracking and data acquisition/space operations, commercial programs, facilities and installations, personnel, and finances and procurement during this era. Special thanks are owed to the student research assistants who gathered and input much of the tabular material-a particularly tedious undertaking. There are numerous people at NASA associated with historical study, technical information, and the mechanics of publishing who helped in myriad ways in the preparation of this historical data book.
Rumerman, Judy A.↗
Read You Loud and Clear! The Story of NASA's Spaceflight Tracking and Data Network
A historical account is provided of NASA's Spaceflight Tracking and Data Network (STDN), starting with its formation in the late 1950s to what it is today in the first decade of the 21st century. It traces the roots of the tracking network from its beginnings at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico to the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System space-based constellation of today. The story spans the early days of satellite tracking using the Minitrack Network, through the expansion of the Satellite Tracking and Data Acquisition Network and the Manned Space Flight Network, and finally, to the Space and Ground networks of today. These accounts tell how international goodwill and foreign cooperation were crucial to the operation of the network and why the space agency chose to build the STDN as it did.
Tsiao, Sunny↗
Digital demodulation with data subcarrier tracking
Digital demodulator is based on early-late bit timing scheme coupled with Costas data tracking loop. System is successful in enhancement of weak signals from space where atmospheric and other interference media cause bit error rate to reach excessive level.
Sanger, D. K.↗
Second tracking and data relay satellite system (TDRSS) ground terminal - STGT
The STGT will provide high availability command and control and improved services to users of NASA's Space Network in the 1990s and beyond. The Space Network, comprising the TDRSS, will be the primary communications gateway for Space Station Freedom and other user's spacecraft and their ground support elements. The STGT will contain a redundant, distributed computer system providing configuration and control of redundant RF to baseband equipment chains for throughput of user data, for user tracking services and for control and monitoring of the TDR Satellites. An interface with NASA's Network Control Center, located at the Goddard Space Flight Center, provides automated scheduling and control of the STGT. A local TDRSS Operations Control Center for local monitoring and back-up control and an interface with the Domestic Satellite for data distribution will be provided by the STGT. This paper describes the STGT, with emphasis on configuration, control and monitoring of those elements providing TDRSS services to user spacecraft.
Berndt, Allen K.↗
Space tracking and data systems; Proceedings of the Symposium, Arlington, VA, June 16-18, 1981
The AIAA/NASA Symposium on Space Tracking and Data Systems, held in Pentagon City, Virginia, on June 16-18, 1981, had the purpose of reviewing international activities in space tracking and data systems for civil use in the 1980-2000 time frame. Participants included 225 representatives from industrial and government organizations in eight nations. The nations represented include the United States, France, Germany, India, Japan, Norway, Spain, and Sweden. The major functions of the systems described at the Symposium are related to the initial downlink of telemetry and spacecraft status data, attendant tracking activities, and uplink of spacecraft commands; communication between the associated acquisition sites and central processing and control stations; formulation and implementation of commands that control the spacecraft and its payload; and processing of spacecraft data needed to make command decisions. Attention is given to an overview of current activities and plans, and supporting developments, taking into account the time from 1980 to 1990. New developments are also considered.
Grey, J.↗
Linear Mixed-Effects Models for Human-in-the-Loop Tracking Experiment Data
Linear mixed-effects models provide several benefits over more traditional statistical inference tests that are particularly useful for most human-in-the-loop tracking experiment data. However, surprisingly, mixed models are virtually not used for the analysis of tracking experiment data. This paper uses of linear mixed-effects models to analyze combined tracking data from two previous human-in-the-loop roll tracking experiments that compared control behavior metrics collected in both a research aircraft and a motion-base simulator. In the experiments, pilots' behavior under 10 different motion configurations with varying motion filter gains and break frequencies was evaluated and compared to that in the real aircraft. The linear mixed-effects model analysis on the combined dataset confirmed the main statistical outcomes of the individual experiments. The main benefits of mixed models for this type of data were demonstrated by successfully combining data from two experiments that used different experimental conditions and of which one had an additional apparatus and the other a missing participant. Finally, the mixed-model analysis was able to explicitly test for scientifically relevant statistical differences in the dependent measures between the aircraft and simulator, as well as both experiments.
manual control↗
The evolution of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System /TDRSS/
Certain limitations of a ground-based network of remote tracking stations for communications with spacecraft are to be overcome by making use of a space-based network. Studies related to the development of a Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) are discussed. The TDRSS is to function as an integral part of the post-1980 NASA Spaceflight Tracking and Data Network (STDN). The TDRSS will consist of two operational Tracking and Data Relay (TDR) spacecraft separated by at least 130 deg in longitude. According to current planning, the STDN will also include five ground-based sites, for support of users with orbital altitudes greater than approximately 2000 km, and two launch support sites.
Godfrey, R. D.↗
Study of a Tracking and Data Acquisition System (TDAS) in the 1990's
Progress in concept definition studies, operational assessments, and technology demonstrations for the Tracking and Data Acquisition System (TDAS) is reported. The proposed TDAS will be the follow-on to the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System and will function as a key element of the NASA End-to-End Data System, providing the tracking and data acquisition interface between user accessible data ports on Earth and the user's spaceborne equipment. Technical activities of the "spacecraft data system architecture' task and the "communication mission model' task are emphasized. The objective of the first task is to provide technology forecasts for sensor data handling, navigation and communication systems, and estimate corresponding costs. The second task is concerned with developing a parametric description of the required communication channels. Other tasks with significant activity include the "frequency plan and radio interference model' and the "Viterbi decoder/simulator study'.
Source record↗
Linear repeater design for the GSFC Mark 1 tracking and data relay satellite
Linear repeater design for tracking and data relay satellite system
Heffernan, P. J.↗
Evolution of NASA's Near-Earth Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS)
NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) is now in its 23rd year of operations and its spacecraft fleet includes three second-generation spacecraft launched since the year 2000; a figure illustrates the first generation TDRSS spacecraft. During this time frame the TDRSS has provided communications relay support to a broad range of missions, with emphasis on low-earth-orbiting (LEO) spacecraft that include unmanned science spacecraft (e.g., Hubble Space Telescope), and human spaceflight (Space Shuttle and Space Station). Furthermore, the TDRSS has consistently demonstrated its uniqueness and adaptability in several ways. First, its S- and K-band services, combined with its multi-band/steerable single-access (SA) antennas and ground-based configuration flexibility, have permitted the mission set to expand to unique users such as scientific balloons and launch vehicles. Second, the bent-pipe nature of the system has enabled the introduction of new/improved services via technology insertion and upgrades at each of the ground terminals; a specific example here is the Demand Access Service (DAS), which, for example, is currently providing science-alert support to NASA science missions Third, the bent-pipe nature of the system, combined with the flexible ground-terminal signal processing architecture has permitted the demonstration/vaIidation of new techniques/services/technologies via a real satellite channel; over the past 10+ years these have, for example, included demonstrations/evaluations of emerging modulation/coding techniques. Given NASA's emerging Exploration plans, with missions beginning later this decade and expanding for decades to come, NASA is currently planning the development of a seamless, NASA-wide architecture that must accommodate missions from near-earth to deep space. Near-earth elements include Ground-Network (GN) and Near-Earth Relay (NER) components and both must efficiently and seamlessly support missions that encompass: earth orbit, including dedicated science missions and lunar support/cargo vehicles; earth/moon transit; lunar in-situ operations; and other missions within approximately 2 million km of earth (e.g., at the sun/earth libration points). Given that the NER is an evolution of TDRSS, one element of this NASA-wide architecture development activity is a trade study of future NER architecture candidates. The present paper focuses on trade study aspects associated with the NER, highlights study elements, and provides representative interim results.
Flaherty, Roger↗
Three Generations of Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) Spacecraft
The current Tracking and Data Relay Satellite configuration consists of nine in-orbit satellites (four first generation, three second generation and two third generation satellites) globally distributed in geosynchronous orbit to provide near continuous data relay service to missions like Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station. The 1st generation spacecraft were designed by TRW/Northrop Grumman with their launches of the five spacecraft ranging from 1983 through 1995. The 2nd and 3rd generation spacecraft were designed by Boeing with their launches ranging 2000 - 2002 and 2013 - 2017 respectively. TDRS-3 is now 27 years on orbit, continues to be a capable asset for the TDRS constellation. Lack of need for inclination control combined with large fuel reserves and redundancy on critical elements provides spacecraft that operate well past design life, all of which contributes to expanded TDRS constellation support capabilities. All spacecraft generations have issues. Significant issues will be summarized with the focus on the Boeing related problems. Degradations and failures are continually assessed and provide the foundation for yearly updates to spacecraft reliability models, constellation service projections and deorbit plans (in order to meet NASAs mandate of limiting orbital debris). Even when accounting for degradations and failures, the life expectancy for the Boeing delivered 2nd generation TDRS-8, 9 10 TDRS are anticipated to be 25+ years.
TDRS↗
Tracking and data relay satellite system /TDRSS/
Plans for a new way of providing tracking and data acquisition support for future earth orbital missions, the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS), are reviewed. This system is to become the principal support facility for all NASA R&D missions below about 5000 km altitude. Current plans call for a 2-satellite system that is to provide upwards of 85% coverage of all orbits above 200 km and 100% coverage above 1200 km.
Barritt, P. F.↗