Engineering model of an electronically scanned phased array antenna system Final report
Engineering model of microwave phase shift controlled scanning phased antenna array for radar system
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A New Blind Pointing Model Improves Large Reflector Antennas Precision Pointing at Ka-Band (32 GHz)
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)-Deep Space Network (DSN) subnet of 34-m Beam Waveguide (BWG) Antennas was recently upgraded with Ka-Band (32-GHz) frequency feeds for space research and communication. For normal telemetry tracking a Ka-Band monopulse system is used, which typically yields 1.6-mdeg mean radial error (MRE) pointing accuracy on the 34-m diameter antennas. However, for the monopulse to be able to acquire and lock, for special radio science applications where monopulse cannot be used, or as a back-up for the monopulse, high-precision open-loop blind pointing is required. This paper describes a new 4th order pointing model and calibration technique, which was developed and applied to the DSN 34-m BWG antennas yielding 1.8 to 3.0-mdeg MRE pointing accuracy and amplitude stability of 0.2 dB, at Ka-Band, and successfully used for the CASSINI spacecraft occultation experiment at Saturn and Titan. In addition, the new 4th order pointing model was used during a telemetry experiment at Ka-Band (32 GHz) utilizing the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) spacecraft while at a distance of 0.225 astronomical units (AU) from Earth and communicating with a DSN 34-m BWG antenna at a record high rate of 6-megabits per second (Mb/s).
DSN↗
Structural design of a 64-meter low-cost antenna
The computer model of a 64 m ground antenna was generated by 1108 software. The reflector and alidade model was iteratively designed and analyzed by the JPL/IDEAS program, which minimized the distortion RMS with respect to the structural weight. Curves of values describing the optimizing processes are presented, functional aspects of the structural elements are defined, and detail descriptions of the design equations for stress calculations are included. Computed data used for calculating the RF boresight error and natural frequency answers are also included.
Katow, M. S.↗
Electronic switching spherical array antenna
This work was conducted to demonstrate the performance levels attainable with an ESSA (Electronic Switching Spherical Array) antenna by designing and testing an engineering model. The antenna was designed to satisfy general spacecraft environmental requirements and built to provide electronically commandable beam pointing capability throughout a hemisphere. Constant gain and beam shape throughout large volumetric coverage regions are the principle characteristics. The model is intended to be a prototype of a standard communications and data handling antenna for user scientific spacecraft with the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS). Some additional testing was conducted to determine the feasibility of an integrated TDRSS and GPS (Global Positioning System) antenna system.
Stockton, R.↗
Near-field Testing of the 15-meter Model of the Hoop Column Antenna
The technical results from near-field testing of the 15-meter model of the hoop column antenna at the Martin Marietta Denver Aerospace facility are documented. The antenna consists of a deployable central column and a 15 meter hoop, stiffened by cables into a structure with a high tolerance repeatable surface and offset feed location. The surface has been configured to have four offset parabolic apertures, each about 6 meters in diameter, and is made of gold plated molybdenum wire mesh. Pattern measurements were made with feed systems radiating at frequencies of 7.73, 11.60, 2.27, 2.225, and 4.26 (all in GHz). This report (Volume 1) covers the testing from an overall viewpoint and contains information of generalized interest for testing large antennas. This volume discusses the deployment of the antenna in the Martin Facility and the measurements to determine mechanical stability and trueness of the reflector surface, gives the test program outline, and gives a synopsis of antenna electromagnetic performance. Three techniques for measuring surface mechanical tolerances were used (theodolites, metric cameras, and near-field phase), but only the near-field phase approach is included. The report also includes an error analysis. A detailed listing of the antenna patterns are provided for the 2.225 Ghz feed in Volume 3 of this report, and for all other feeds in Volume 2.
Hoover, J.↗
Development of inflatable antenna structures
Self-rigidizable spring-tape-reinforced (STR) booms were used to develop structural systems for large-aperture space inflatable radar antennas. The lightweight planar frames built with STR booms can be compactly stowed for launch, deployed by inflation pressure in space, and used to tension the RF membrane apertures of the antennas. Engineering models of a Ka-band reflectarray antenna and a L-band synthetic-aperture radar antenna were developed and have successfully demonstrated stowage and deployment, as well as RF performance. A design improvement was also being implemented to enhance long-term configuration stability and widen the application range of the STR booms.
inflatable antenna structures deployment↗
Geometric modeling of large space antenna deployment
A dynamic visualization of large antenna deployment was created to be used as a precursor to further analysis of the structure as it is being deployed. The configuration chosen for this investigation was a box-truss structure consisting of a large reflector 60 meters wide by 120 meters long with a 120-meter mast. The entire space structure is folded and compressed into a container 17.8 meters long by 3.75 meters in diameter for transportation to orbit by the Space Transportation System (STS). A geometric model of this structure was created using an interactive solid modeling package. The building blocks of the structure are boxes and cylinders which are put together to form elements connected by joints and hinges. The elements, joints, and hinges make up the box-truss structure. The geometric model was then passed to the MOVIE.BYU software package. The "utility" module of this program was used to manipulate the elements of the structure to represent 13 different stages of deployment. The "animate" command was then used to create a smooth sequence between stages. Each step in the sequence was recorded on magnetic tape and a short movie was produced.
Nazemetz, J.↗
One-third scale model of an offset fed scanning antenna for the shuttle imaging microwave system
An experimental study is reported, involving the design, fabrication, and measurement of a one-third scale model of the 4m diameter parabolic torus reflector with a Gregorian feed for the SIMS application. Antenna pattern measurements of the model at 60 and 30 GHz are presented to verify the predictions of a geometrical optics analysis upon which the antenna design was based. It is shown that the antenna measurements bear out the geometrical optics analysis in every respect and that the Gregorian subreflector feed is usable at all frequencies above at least 10 Ghz in the full size SIMS antenna. The fabrication of the model antenna is discussed, including a computerized technique for fabricating the transcendental subreflector shape with a numerically controlled machine.
Gustincic, J. H.↗
Near-field testing of the 5-meter model of the tetrahedral truss antenna
This report documents the technical results from near-field testing of the General Dynamics 5-meter model of the tetrahedral truss antenna at the Martin Marietta Denver Aerospace facility. A 5-meter square side of the tetrahedral served as the perimeter of the antenna, and a mesh surface and extensive surface contouring cord network was used to create a parabolic aperture shape to within an rms accuracy of 30 mils or better. Pattern measurements were made with offset feed systems radiating at frequencies of 7.73, 11.60, 2.27, and 4.26 (all in GHz). This report discusses the method of collecting the data, system measurement accuracy, the test data compiled, and diagostics and isolation of causes of pattern results. The technique of using near-field phase for measuring surface mechanical tolerances is included. Detailed far field antenna patterns and their implications are provided for all tests conducted.
Kefauver, Neill↗
Modeling and analysis of the DSS-14 antenna control system
An improvement of pointing precision of the DSS-14 antenna is planned for the near future. In order to analyze the improvement limits and to design new controllers, a precise model of the antenna and the servo is developed, including a finite element model of the antenna structure and detailed models of the hydraulic drives and electronic parts. The DSS-14 antenna control system has two modes of operation: computer mode and precision mode. The principal goal of this investigation is to develop the model of the computer mode and to evaluate its performance. The DSS-14 antenna computer model consists of the antenna structure and drives in azimuth and elevation. For this model, the position servo loop is derived, and simulations of the closed-loop antenna dynamics are presented. The model is significantly different from that for the 34-m beam-waveguide antennas.
Gawronski, W.↗
Modeling and Analysis of the DSS-14 Antenna Control System
An improvement of pointing precision of the DSS-14 antenna is planned for the near future. In order to analyze the improvement limits and to design new controllers, a precise model of the antenna and the servo is developed, including a finite element model of the antenna structure and detailed models of the hydraulic drives and electronic parts. The DSS-14 antenna control system has two modes of operation: computer mode and precision mode. The principal goal of this investigation is to develop the model of the computer mode and to evaluate its performance. The DSS-14 antenna computer model consists of the antenna structure and drives in azimuth and elevation. For this model, the position servo loop is derived, and simulations of the closed-loop antenna dynamics are presented. The model is significantly different from that for the 34-m beam-waveguide antennas.
Gawronski, W.↗
The design and performance of Model 2.041 quadraloop telemetry antennas for the NASA JAVELIN, Flight 12.03
Quadraloop telemetry antenna array for Javelin rocket - electrical characteristics
ELECTRIC IMPEDANCE↗
Model Experiments with Slot Antenna Arrays for Imaging
A prototype imaging system at 31 GHz was developed, which employs a two-dimensional (5x5) array of tapered slot antennas, and integrated detector or mixer elements, in the focal plane of a prime-focus paraboloid reflector, with an f/D=1. The system can be scaled to shorter millimeter waves and submillimeter waves. The array spacing corresponds to a beam spacing of approximately one Rayleigh distance and a two-point resolution experiment showed that two point-sources at the Rayleigh distance are well resolved.
Johansson, J. F.↗
NASTRAN Structural Model for the Large 64-meter Antenna Pedestal, Part 1
Static analysis and a computer structural model for the large 64-m antenna pedestal are developed using the MSC version of the NASTRAN program. This model was necessary to conduct a variety of hydrostatic bearing rehabilitation studies. The results obtained from the model show that the top surface deflections due to pad loads are in good agreement with the results previously obtained from a simplified "shortcut' analytical model, and also in agreement with field measurements. In addition, the displacement and force distributions as well as the state of stress and strain are obtained.
Chian, C. T.↗
UAS Modeling of the Communication Links Study Results
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the authority that grants access into, and operations within, the National Airspace System (NAS) for all aircraft, including Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The safe operation of UAS in the NAS must be assured if the full potential of UAS is to be realized and supported by the public and Congress. This report analyzed the communication systems that are needed for the safe operations of UAS in the NAS. Safe operations can be defined as the availability of the required links to carry the information to control the UAS and the return links to allow controllers to know where the UAS is at any given moment as well as how it is performing. This report is the end result of work performed jointly between the FAA and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/Kennedy Space Center (NASA KSC). The work was done in support of the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA) Special Committee 203 (SC-203) Control and Communications Working Group. The RTCA is a federal advisory committee to the FAA. Though the work was not under the direction of the working group, a large part of the specific values used in the simulations came from the working group. Specifically, all of the radio links were modeled based on the formulation completed by the working group. This report analyzed three scenarios from RTCA SC-203 that represent how a UAS would operate in the NAS. Each scenario was created using the Satellite Tool Kit (STK) modeling and simulation tool. The flight paths of the UAS were generated and the UAS dynamics were likewise modeled. Then each communication asset such as transmitters, receivers, and antennas were modeled and placed on the appropriate UAS, satellite, or Control Station (CS). After that, the radio links were analyzed for signal strength and antenna blockage, and the overall link performance was analyzed in detail. The goal was to obtain 99.9% availability on all of the radio communication links. In order to ensure the 99.9% availability, certain values for the telemetry transmitter will have to be increased slightly from I watt up to about 4 watts which is reasonable. The results of this analysis show that it is possible to send commands, during the airborne segment, to the Unmanned Aircraft (UA) and have the UA send back the system health and status with high availability of at least 99.9% of the time. This 99.9% availability included the condition of heavy rain at 90 mm/hr as well as interference from adjacent satellites. The link budget values used in this report were based on the work from the working group.
Birr, Richard B.↗
Near-field testing of the 15-meter model of the hoop column antenna. Volume 3: Near- and far-field plots for the JPL feed
Technical results from near-field testing of the 15-meter model of the hoop column antenna at the Martin Marietta Denver Aerospace facility are discussed. The antenna consists of a deployable central column and a 15 meter hoop, stiffened by cables into a structure with a high tolerance repeatable surface and offset feed location. The surface has been configured to have four offset parabolic apertures, each about 6 meters in diameter, and is made of gold plated molybdenum wire mesh. Pattern measurements were made with feed system radiating at frequencies of 7.73, 11.60, 2.27, 2.225, and 4.26 (all in GHz). This report (Volume 3) gives the detailed patterns measured with the JPL feed (2.225 GHz). Volume 1 covers the testing from an overall viewpoint and contains information of generalized interest for testing large antennas, including the deployment of the antenna in the Martin Facility and the measurements to determine mechanical stability and trueness of the reflector surface, the test program outline, and a synopsis of antenna electromagnetic performance. A detailed listing of the antenna patterns for the LaRC feeds (7.3, 11.60, 2.27, and 4.26 GHz) are given in Volume 2 of this report.
Hoover, J.↗
Near-field testing of the 15-meter model of the hoop column antenna. Volume 2: Near- and far-field plots for the LaRC feeds
The technical results from near-field testing of the 15-meter model of the hoop column antenna at the Martin Marietta Denver Aerospace facility are described. The antenna consists of a deployable central column and a 15-meter hoop, stiffened by cable into a structure with a high tolerance repeatable surface and offset feed location. The surface has been configured to have four offset parabolic apertures, each about 6 meters in diameter, and is made of gold plated molybdenum wire mesh. Pattern measurements were made with feed systems radiating at frequencies of 7.73, 11.60, 2.27, 2.225, and 4.26 (all in GHz). This report (Volume II) gives the detailed patterns measured with the LaRC feeds (7.73, 11.60, 2.27, and 4.26 GHz). Volume I covers the testing from an overall viewpoint and contains information of generalized interest for testing large antennas, including the deployment of the antenna in the Martin Facility and the measurements to determine mechanical stability and trueness of the reflector surface, the test program outline, and a synopsis of antenna electromagnetic performance. A detailed listing of the antenna patterns are provided for the 2.225 Ghz feed in Volume III of this report.
Hoover, J.↗
Quantum Limits in Interferometric GW Antennas
We discuss a model for interferometric GW antennas illuminated by a laser beam and a vacuum squeezed field. The sensitivity of the antenna will depend on the properties of the radiation entering the two ports and on the optical characteristics of the interferometer components, e.g. mirrors, beam-splitter, lenses.
Romano, R.↗