Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “RADIO INTERFERENCE”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 469 records · Page 26

Initial Results from a Search for Lunar Radio Emission from Interactions of >= 10(exp 19) eV Neutrinos and Cosmic Rays

Using the NASA Goldstone 70m antenna DSS 14 both singly and in coincidence with the 34 m antenna DSS 13 (21.7 km to the southeast), we have acquired approximately 12 hrs of livetime in a search for predicted pulsed radio emission from extremely-high energy cascades induced by neutrinos or cosmic rays in the lunar regolith. In about 4 hrs of single antenna observations, we reduced our sensitivity to impulsive terrestrial interference to a negligible level by use of a veto afforded by the unique capability of DSS 14. In the 8 hrs of dual-antenna observations, terrestrial interference is eliminated as a background. In both observing modes the thermal noise floor limits the sensitivity. We detected no events above statistical background. We report here initial limits based on these data which begin to constrain several predictions of the flux of EHE neutrinos.

Gorham, P. W.↗

The SERENDIP piggyback SETI project

The SERENDIP project is an ongoing program of monitoring and processing broadband radio signals acquired by existing radio astronomy observatories. SERENDIP operates in a piggyback mode: it makes use of whatever observing plan (sequence of frequencies, sky coordinates, and polarizations) is under way at its host observatory. Moreover, the SERENDIP data acquisition system, once installed, operates autonomously. This approach makes it possible to obtain large amounts of high quality observing time in a manner that is economical and that does not adversely affect ongoing radio astronomy survey work. The SERENDIP II system has been installed at the NRAO 300-foot telescope at Green Bank, West Virginia, and has operated there for several thousand hours. In this report, we summarize our findings from these observations and describe the present status of the project. Two key elements of SERENDIP are the automated data acquisition system that uses adaptive thresholds and logs only statistically significant peaks in the real-time power spectra, and the subsequent off-line analysis programs that identify and reject a variety of interference signals. Several specific correlations have been identified that offer promise. At present, the development and testing of these interference rejection algorithms is the main thrust of our work.

NASA Discipline Number 52-60↗

Mathematical models for cochannel interference in FH/MFSK multiple-access systems

FH/MFSK has been proposed for a multiuser spread spectrum digital communication system to combat both self-jamming and intentional jamming. An independence assumption at the energy detector outputs is used to evaluate such a system for a digitized voice mobile radio system (Yue, 1981). This paper presents a correlated model and compares its performance to an independence model under the symbol error probability criterion. A Gaussian process model is also developed for comparison. It is found that the conventional Gaussian approximation is inadequate in predicting the number of users that can be accommodated by an FH/MFSK system using the conventional receiver. Furthermore, for the cases evaluated, the independence model provides an excellent approximation to the correlated model. Additionally, a conditional Chernoff bound is presented for the more general case of frequency-hopping systems with multiple hops per symbol.

Yan, T.-Y.↗

An RF link analysis of MSBLS during ALT

An analysis of the microwave scanning beam landing system (MSBLS) ground station to orbiter radio frequency (RF) link was made to determine if the expected signal levels will be compatible with orbiter receiver capabilities. Of primary interest was whether or not loss of data will occur due to interference caused by the orbiter 101 nose boom which provides additional air data during the approach and landing test. The results of the analysis indicate that a small amount of data loss may occur due to the proximity of the MSBLS antennas and the nose boom. Tabulated data of antenna radiation patterns are given.

Speir, R. E.↗

A two-component rain model for the prediction of attenuation statistics

A two-component rain model has been developed for calculating attenuation statistics. In contrast to most other attenuation prediction models, the two-component model calculates the occurrence probability for volume cells or debris attenuation events. The model performed significantly better than the International Radio Consultative Committee model when used for predictions on earth-satellite paths. It is expected that the model will have applications in modeling the joint statistics required for space diversity system design, the statistics of interference due to rain scatter at attenuating frequencies, and the duration statistics for attenuation events.

Crane, R. K.↗

Dual Overlapping, Weighted Preaveragers

Improved technique incorporated into digital processing of received radio signals that bear digital data reduces bandwidth of incoming noise when receiver operated over broad range of potential signal bandwidths. Technique in question is updated version of older preaveraging technique; two modifications decrease vulnerability to interference from adjacent channels.

Poklemba, John J.↗

Two new supernova remnants in OB associations in the Large Magellanic Cloud

We discovered two extended x-ray sources in a Roentgen Satellite (ROSAT) Positron Sensitive Proportional Counter (PSPC) observation pointed at the H II region N9 in the Large Magellanic Cloud. These two sources are in the H II regions N4D and N9. The x-ray characteristics suggest that both might be supernova remnants (SNRs). Follow-up charge coupled device (CCD) images taken with interference filters show high (S II)/H-alpha ratios in the optical nebulae of these x-ray sources, confirming the presence of high velocity shocks commonly seen in SNRs. These two sources are also detected in the radio continuum at 8.55 and 4.75 GHz; both appear nonthermal compared to nearby H II regions. The confirmation of these two SNRs demonstrates that many SNRs in or near H II regions have been overlooked in previous surveys, and that the ROSAT x-ray survey combined with an optical CCD imaging survey of the Magellanic Clouds would provide the most effective way to uncover SNRs.

Smith, R. Chris↗

Surface electrical properties experiment. Part 2: Theory of radio-frequency interferometry in geophysical subsurface probing

The radiation fields due to a horizontal electric dipole laid on the surface of a stratified medium were calculated using a geometrical optics approximation, a modal approach, and direct numerical integration. The solutions were obtained from the reflection coefficient formulation and written in integral forms. The calculated interference patterns are compared in terms of the usefulness of the methods used to obtain them. Scattering effects are also discussed and all numerical results for anisotropic and isotropic cases are presented.

Kong, J. A.↗

Laserfax

The photo shows an Associated Press technician receiving a photograph prepared by means of a high speed, high resolution facsimile system known as Laserfax, so called because it employs a laser beam to scan the photo being sent. Laser scanning data is converted to electrical signals and transmitted to news bureaus within the Associated Press network via microwave radio or telephone lines. At the other end, another laser sweeps reconverted imagery onto a special, light-sensitive, dry silver paper. The paper is then heat processed to reproduce the photograph. Manufactured by Harris Electronics Systems Inc., Melbourne, Florida, Laserfax incorporates NASA thermal control coating technology developed by Jet Propulsion Laboratory for use on spacecraft antennas; the coatings block absorption of solar radiation which would interfere with the antenna's proper operation. Harris Electronics Systems, originally Radiation, Inc., reused the NASA technology in development of Laserfax. A NASA technical support package provided information about the thermal properties that could be expected of various coatings for the facsimile system's paper rollers; this information served as a design base for the infrared heat source used in developing the photo. Although relatively new, Laserfax is in extensive service. It is manufactured in several models. One of them is the type used by the Associated Press, its news bureaus and affiliated newspapers, radio and television stations. Other models have been sold in large numbers to law enforcement agencies for transmitting high quality fingerprints and identification photos. Laserfax is also in service with the National Weather Service, which converts satellite imagery to weather photographs and relays them to local weather stations, television stations, newspapers and airlines.

Source record↗

Very long baseline interferometry observations of radio emissions from geostationary satellites.

Review of the results of very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations of L-band emissions of the ATS-5 geostationary satellite, performed over a transcontinental baseline in 1970, as part of a more comprehensive program using radio stars as sources. Although the data were not sufficient to demonstrate fully the capability of the method for determining the orbital elements of a satellite and its inertial position, the analysis of the ATS observations show the presence of interference fringes related to the modulation waveform emitted by the satellite and to the various motions of the satellite. The measured VLBI time delays are in agreement with the geometry of the observations and with the instrumental delay, both determined independently.

Michelini, R. D.↗

Very long baseline interferometry at a wavelength of 3.4 mm

The first detection of interference fringes by VLBI at a wavelength of 3.4 mm during observations of 3C84 are reported. The compact source in the nucleus of 3C84 was observed for a 9-hr period on the 485 km baseline between the Owens Valley Radio Observatory and the Hat Creek Observatory. The fringe data are given and the derivation of the correlated flux densities is described. The findings are discused in the context of previous obervations. The results demonstrate that there are no unforeseen technical difficulties associated with millimeter VLBI, and that the sensitivity of existing systems is sufficient to observe objects brighter than a few Jy. The observations are consistent with the millimeter wavelength radio structure of 3C84 being more compact than its centimeter wavelength structure.

Readhead, A. C. S.↗

Cognitive Anti-Jamming Satellite-To-Ground Communications on NASA's SCaN Testbed

Machine learning aided cognitive anti-jamming communications is designed, developed and demonstrated on a live satellite-to-ground link. A wideband autonomous cognitive radio (WACR) is designed and implemented as a hardware-in-the- loop (HITL) prototype. The cognitive engine (CE) of the WACR is implemented on a PC while the software-defined radio (SDR) platform utilized two different radios for spectrum sensing and actual communications. The cognitive engine performs spectrum knowledge acquisition over the complete spectrum range available for the SATCOM system operation and learns an anti-jamming communications protocol to avoid both intentional jammers and inadvertent interferers using reinforcement learning. When the current satellite-to-ground link is jammed, the cognitive engine of the ground receiver directs the satellite transmitter to switch to a new channel that is predicted to be jammer-free for the longest possible duration. The end-to-end, closed-loop system was tested on the NASA Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Testbed on the International Space Station (ISS). The experimental results demonstrated the feasibility of satellite-to-ground cognitive anti-jamming communications along with excellent anti-jamming capability of machine learning aided cognitive protocols against several different types of jammers.

Jayaweera, Sudharman K.↗

Cognitive Anti-jamming Satellite-to-Ground Communications on NASA's SCaN Testbed

Machine learning aided cognitive anti-jamming communications is designed, developed and demonstrated on an experimental satellite-to-ground link. A wideband autonomous cognitive radio (WACR) is designed and implemented as a hardware-in the-loop (HITL) prototype. The cognitive engine (CE) of the WACR is implemented on a PC while the software-defined radio (SDR) platform utilized two different radios for spectrum sensing and actual communications. The cognitive engine performs spectrum knowledge acquisition over the complete spectrum range available for the SATCOM system operation and learns an anti-jamming communications protocol to avoid both intentional jammers and inadvertent interferers using reinforcement learning. When the current satellite-to-ground link is jammed, the cognitive engine of the ground receiver directs the satellite transmitter to switch to a new channel that is predicted to be jammer-free for the longest possible duration. The end-to-end, closed-loop system was tested with the NASA's Space Communications and Networking (SCaN) testbed on the International Space Station (ISS). The experimental results demonstrated the feasibility of satellite-to-ground cognitive anti-jamming communications along with excellent anti-jamming capability of machine-learning aided cognitive protocols against several different types of jammers.

Jayaweera, Sudharman K.↗

Solar Probe Technology Challenges

A mission close to the sun is only possible if new spacecraft technologies can be developed and incorporated into a state-of-the-art spacecraft concept. The perihelion goal of 4 solar radii requires a shielded spacecraft that can tolerate the 3000 suns solar flux while maintaining the electronics components at room temperature. In addition, the shield surface should sublimate at a rate of less than 3 mg/s at perihelion. Many shield configuration designs have been studied and the most promising is a parabolic shape that functions as both a shield and a large high gain antenna. The shield material chosen for this design is a carbon-carbon material with highly emissive surface properties. A mission requirement for a high telecommunications power stems from the expected interference when attempting to transmit data through the solar corona. It is expected that the large carbon-carbon shield/antenna will have a large power gain even at high temperatures and will return adequate telemetry at the X-band radio frequency chosen for the Solar Probe mission. Other key technology needs include a non-nuclear power subsystem that can function in the extreme environments of the mission from Earth to Jupiter and onward to a 4 solar radii perihelion.

Solar↗

The Spectrum Orbit Utilization Program (SOUP) used for DBS plan analysis at RARC '83

This paper describes the history, functions, and usage of the program that was used to analyze the plans for direct broadcast satellite service developed in the course of the 1983 Regional Administrative Radio Conference for ITU Region 2. Given the requirements for direct broadcast service by the administrations, the conference delegates (1) developed the appropriate technical parameters; (2) made tentative assignments to the orbit locations, frequencies, and polarizations of space stations, (3) calculated the interferences and margins of such assignments through the use of the Spectrum Orbit Utilization Program (SOUP); and (4) iterated this procedure until an acceptable plan was found.

Davidson, J.↗

The northern Utah satellite (NUSAT) communications link

During the planning Stages of the NUSAT satellite, an obvious issue to be discussed was the method of communications to be used. The frequencies would have to be high enough to pass through the atmosphere relatively unattenuated but low enough that antennas and transmission lines would not be so critical in length and properties that unexperienced students would have difficulty with handling them. In conversations with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in Washington D.C., the frequencies of 450.000 MHz and 137.900 MHz were decided upon and applied for licensing. The 450.000 MHt up-link is used on a "non-interference" basis to control the satellite while the 137.900 MHz frequency down-links data from the satellite. A reasonable amount of time was spent discussing the mods of transmission to be used in communication with the satellite. Representatives of the amateur radio satellite organization, AMSAT, were contacted for ides. This organization seems to favor AM types of emissions such as CW to control their OSCAR series of satellites and also the current Phase 111 unit. NUSAT personnel felt, however, that there would be merit in the improved signal to noise ratio usually obtained in an FM mode. Doppler shift of the transmitted information on the NUSAT also had to be considered. The final decision WBS to use Audio Frequency Shift Keying (AFSK) modulated on an FM carrier. In this mode the audio tones used would not shift frequency with Doppler - only the carrier would shift in frequency. If necessary, the receivers could be fitted with a form of AFC control or simply have enough bandwidth to handle the Doppler shift with an acceptable increase in noise.

Lee Barrett↗

Wireless Channel Characterization in the Airport Surface Environment

Given the anticipated increase in air traffic in the coming years, modernization of the National Airspace System (NAS) is a necessity. Part of this modernization effort will include updating current communication, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) systems to deal with the increased traffic as well as developing advanced CNS technologies for the systems. An example of such technology is the integrated CNS (ICNS) network being developed by the Advanced CNS Architecture and Systems Technology (ACAST) group for use in the airport surface environment. The ICNS network would be used to convey voice/data between users in a secure and reliable manner. The current surface system only supports voice and does so through an obsolete physical infrastructure. The old system is vulnerable to outages and costly to maintain. The proposed ICNS network will include a wireless radio link. To ensure optimal performance, a thorough and accurate characterization of the channel across which the link would operate is necessary. The channel is the path the signal takes from the transmitter to the receiver and is prone to various forms of interference. Channel characterization involves a combination of analysis, simulation, and measurement. My work this summer was divided into four tasks. The first task required compiling and reviewing reference material that dealt with the characterization and modeling of aeronautical channels. The second task involved developing a systematic approach that could be used to group airports into classes, e.g. small airfields, medium airports, large open airports, large cluttered airports, etc. The third task consisted of implementing computer simulations of existing channel models. The fourth task entailed measuring possible interference sources in the airport surface environment via a spectrum analyzer.

Neville, Joshua T.↗

Fundamental limitations caused by RF propagation

Propagation phenomena affect the design of radio frequency (RF) transmission systems. Propagation phenomena limit the suitability of portions of the frequency band for some applications, limit the reliability of RF transmission systems, and provide a means of coupling unwanted signals from one system to another with the potential of producing interference. The possibility of interference is the fundamental limitation to the unrestricted use of the frequency band. Phenomena affecting suitability, reliability, and the potential for interference are considered for frequencies in the 1- to 300-GHz range.

Crane, R. K.↗