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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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At least 145 records · Page 8

Expanding the Deep Space Network to Support the Heliophysics System Observatory

Difficulties associated with receiving telemetry from satellites severely limit the volume of scientific data that can be downlinked to the ground. Current missions employ techniques such as compressing and pruning datasets to reduce the data volume they transmit. While existing mission designs are already restricted by limited telemetry budgets, future Heliophysics System Observatory missions will produce ever larger data volumes with higher resolution and cadence observations from constellations of satellites spread throughout the heliosphere1. In addition, heliophysics missions often produce data for the operational Space Weather community that requires a low latency between observation and downlink. In light of current limitations, the infrastructure to receive NASA satellite telemetry must be expanded and modernized to support the science needs of future data-rich heliophysics missions.

deep space network (DSN)↗

Estimating Accurate Relative Spacecraft Angular Position from DSN VLBI Phases Using X-Band Telemetry or DOR Tones

At present spacecraft angular position with Deep Space Network (DSN) is determined using group delay estimates from very long baseline interferometer (VLBI) phase measurements employing differential one way ranging (DOR) tones. As an alternative to this approach, we propose estimating position of a spacecraft to half a fringe cycle accuracy using time variations between measured and calculated phases as the Earth rotates using DSN VLBI baseline(s). Combining fringe location of the target with the phase allows high accuracy for spacecraft angular position estimate. This can be achieved using telemetry signals of at least 4-8 MSamples/sec data rate or DOR tones.

x-band telemetry↗

Using telemetry to navigate the MarCO cubesats to Mars

The two MarCO “cubesat” spacecraft were launched alongside NASA’s InSight in May 2018, operating primarily as a technology demonstrator for small satellites in deep space, with a nominal (but experimental) mission to provide relay support for the primary spacecraft during entry, descent, and landing at Mars. Due to their small size and experimental nature, extensive use of telemetry beyond that commonly used by deep space missions was necessary to complete adequate orbit determination. In particular, telemetry was valuable in two areas: use of wheel speeds during thruster calibrations to improve knowledge of individual thruster force levels, and the use of propellant temperature and pressure data to correctly model small thrusting events on board the vehicle.

Martin-Mur, Tomas↗

Pros and Cons of Using Arrays of Small Antennas Versus Large Single Dish Antennas for the Deep Space Network

This paper briefly describes pros and cons of using arrays of small antennas instead of large single dish antennas for spacecraft telemetry, command, and tracking (TT and C) - communications and navigation (C and N) - and science support that the Deep Space Network (DSN) normally provides. It considers functionality and performance aspects, mainly for TT and C, though it also considers science. It only briefly comments on the cost aspects that seem to favor arrays of small antennas over large single antennas, at least for receiving (downlinks).

Deep Space Network↗

Parkes-CDSCC telemetry array: Equipment design

A unique combination of Deep Space Network (DSN) and non-DSN facilities in Australia provided enhanced data return from the Voyager spacecraft as it encountered the planet Uranus. Many of the key elements are duplicated from Voyager's encounters with Jupiter and Saturn. Some are unique extensions of that technology.

Brown, D. W.↗

Voyager-Neptune telemetry - The DSN 70 meter antenna upgrade

The Deep Space Network (DSN) is responsible for the acquisition of in-situ science and engineering measurements and navigation data from spacecraft exploring the Solar System. Key characteristics of the DSN design approach, the costs to upgrade performance over the past several decades, and some fundamental constraints on performance are discussed. The specific 70-meter upgrade task and the resulting overall benefits to Voyager-Neptune and the mission set are addressed.

Hall, Justin R.↗

Tracking and data system support for the Mariner Mars 1971 mission. Prelaunch phase through first trajectory correction maneuver, volume 1

The DSN command system provided the capability to enter commands in a computer at the deep space stations for transmission to the spacecraft. The high-rate telemetry system operated at 16,200 bits/sec. This system will permit return to DSS 14 of full-resolution television pictures from the spacecraft tape recorder, plus the other science experiment data, during the two playback periods of each Goldstone pass planned for each corresponding orbit. Other features included 4800 bits/sec modem high-speed data lines from all deep space stations to Space Flight Operations Facility (SFOF) and the Goddard Space Flight Center, as well as 50,000 bits/sec wideband data lines from DSS 14 to the SFOF, thus providing the capability for data flow of two 16,200 bits/sec high-rate telemetry data streams in real time. The TDS performed prelaunch training and testing and provided support for the Mariner Mars 1971/Mission Operations System training and testing. The facilities of the ETR, DSS 71, and stations of the MSFN provided flight support coverage at launch and during the near-earth phase. The DSSs 12, 14, 41, and 51 of the DSN provided the deep space phase support from 30 May 1971 through 4 June 1971.

Laeser, R. P.↗

An 8.4-GHz dual-maser front-end system for Parkes reimplementation

An 8.4-GHz front-end system consisting of a feedhorn, a waveguide feed assembly, dual masers, and downconverters was reimplemented at Parkes as part of the Parkes Canberra Telemetry Array for the Voyager Neptune encounter. The front-end system was originally assembled by the European Space Agency and installed on the Parkes antenna for the Giotto project. It was also used on a time-sharing basis by the Deep Space Network as part of the Parkes Canberra Telemetry Array to enhance the data return from the Voyager Uranus encounter. At the conclusion of these projects in 1986, part of the system was then shipped to JPL on loan for reimplementation at Parkes for the Voyager Neptune encounter. New design and implementation required to make the system operable at Parkes included new microwave front-end control cabinets, closed-cycle refrigeration monitor system, noise-adding radiometer system, front-end controller assembly, X81 local oscillator multiplier, and refurbishment of the original dual 8.4-GHz traveling-wave masers and waveguide feed system. The front-end system met all requirements during the encounter and was disassembled in October 1989 and returned to JPL.

Trowbridge, D. L.↗

Telemetry system

The means of telemetering digital data from a spacecraft to the Deep Space Network is addressed. Phase shift keying and uncoded quadriphase shift keying modulations are discussed along with demodulation and decoding systems. Telemetry system losses and noisy reference performance for suppressed carrier receivers are also examined.

Yuen, J. H.↗

Tracking and data system support for the Viking 1975 mission to Mars. Volume 1: Prelaunch planning, implementation, and testing

The tracking and data acquisition support for the 1975 Viking Missions to Mars is described. The history of the effort from its inception in late 1968 through the launches of Vikings 1 and 2 from Cape Kennedy in August and September 1975 is given. The Viking mission requirements for tracking and data acquisition support in both the near earth and deep space phases involved multiple radar tracking and telemetry stations, and communications networks together with the global network of tracking stations, communications, and control center. The planning, implementation, testing and management of the program are presented.

Mudgway, D. J.↗

Deep space communication - Past, present, and future

This paper reviews the progress made in deep space communication from its beginnings until now, describes the development and applications of NASA's Deep Space Network, and indicates directions for the future. Limiting factors in deep space communication are examined using the upcoming Voyager encounter with Uranus, centered on the downlink telemetry from spacecraft to earth, as an example. A link calculation for Voyager at Uranus over Australia is exhibited. Seven basic deep space communication functions are discussed, and technical aspects of spacecraft communication equipment, ground antennas, and ground electronics and processing are considered.

Posner, E. C.↗

Mars Observer

The Mars Observer Mission will deliver a single spacecraft to Mars for an extended orbital study of the planet's surface, atmosphere, and gravitational and magnetic fields. A flight profile is given, and information is presented in tabular form on the following topics: Deep Space Network support; compatibility tests, frequency assignments, telemetry, command, and tracking support responsibility.

Dallas, S.↗

Iris Transponder-Communications and Navigation for Deep Space

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory has developed the Iris CubeSat compatible deep space transponder for INSPIRE, the first CubeSat to deep space. Iris is 0.4 U, 0.4 kg, consumes 12.8 W, and interoperates with NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN) on X-Band frequencies (7.2 GHz uplink, 8.4 GHz downlink) for command, telemetry, and navigation. This talk discusses the Iris for INSPIRE, it's features and requirements; future developments and improvements underway; deep space and proximity operations applications for Iris; high rate earth orbit variants; and ground requirements, such as are implemented in the DSN, for deep space operations.

cubesat↗

Link Design and Planning for Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) Ka-band (32 GHz) Telecom Demonstration

NASA is planning an engineering telemetry demonstration with Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO). Capabilities of Ka-band (32 GHz) for use with deep space mission are demonstrated using the link optimization algorithms and weather forecasting. Furthermore, based on the performance of previous deep space missions with Ka-band downlink capabilities, experiment plans are developed for telemetry operations during superior solar conjunction. A general overview of the demonstration is given followed by a description of the mission planning during cruise, the primary science mission and superior conjunction. As part of the primary science mission planning the expected data return for various data optimization methods is calculated. These results indicate that, given MRO's data rates, a link optimized to use of at most two data rates, subject to a minimum availability of 90%, performs almost as well as a link with no limits on the number of data rates subject to the same minimum availability.

Ka-band↗

Proposed Array-based Deep Space Network for NASA

The current assets of the Deep Space Network (DSN) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), especially the 70-m antennas, are aging and becoming less reliable. Furthermore, they are expensive to operate and difficult to upgrade for operation at Ka-band (321 GHz). Replacing them with comparable monolithic large antennas would be expensive. On the other hand, implementation of similar high-sensitivity assets can be achieved economically using an array-based architecture, where sensitivity is measured by G/T, the ratio of antenna gain to system temperature. An array-based architecture would also provide flexibility in operations and allow for easy addition of more G/T whenever required. Therefore, an array-based plan of the next-generation DSN for NASA has been proposed. The DSN array would provide more flexible downlink capability compared to the current DSN for robust telemetry, tracking and command services to the space missions of NASA and its international partners in a cost effective way. Instead of using the array as an element of the DSN and relying on the existing concept of operation, we explore a broader departure in establishing a more modern concept of operations to reduce the operations costs. This paper presents the array-based architecture for the next generation DSN. It includes system block diagram, operations philosophy, user's view of operations, operations management, and logistics like maintenance philosophy and anomaly analysis and reporting. To develop the various required technologies and understand the logistics of building the array-based lowcost system, a breadboard array of three antennas has been built. This paper briefly describes the breadboard array system and its performance.

telemetry↗

Mark 4-A DSCC telemetry system description

This system is designed as a replacement for the Mark III. Two major changes in the DSCC portion of the DSN Telemetry System are discussed: the addition of two 34 meter antennas to each DSCC; and the configuration of the telemetry system. The telemetry system is configured to support either two deep space missions and one highly elliptical orbit, or two highly elliptical orbits and one deep space mission.

Burt, R.↗