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NASA NTRS2018

Radio Science System Design and Measurement Results for the NASA Deep Space Network (DSN)

Radio science measurements have been performed using the NASA Deep Space Network (DSN) with many different spacecraft over several decades. Radio science has been used for the study of planetary atmospheres, the solar corona and the search for gravity waves, among other things. The majority of these measurements are made using the X and Ka-band deep space bands. Although the primary mission for the DSN is tracking, telemetry and command (TT&C) for NASA’s many deep-space spacecraft, radio science measurements continue to be an important secondary mission. The science requirements for these measurements have resulted in stringent performance requirements for both the spacecraft and ground system equipment. In particular, the requirements for amplitude stability, phase stability (Allen deviation) and phase noise are very demanding. The system Allen deviation requirement at Ka-band is < 2.4 E-15 over 1000 seconds, while the phase noise requirement is < -50 dBc/Hz for a 1 Hz offset. Various design techniques have been used for the DSN radio frequency (RF) electronics, high power transmitters and antenna structures to meet the stringent requirements for all 3 of these parameters. Some details for the design techniques will be described in the paper. Another important consideration for a radio science system is the verification approach for components, as well as for individual subsystems and then the overall system. Phase-locked oscillators (PLOs) are one of the key component types that determine overall phase noise and Allen deviation system performance. Measurement techniques used for PLOs, as well as for the overall ground system, will be discussed. Measurement results for the 2 new DSN antennas, recently built under the DSN Aperture Enhancement Project (DAEP) will also be shown. In addition, some recent radio science measurements from the Cassini and JUNO missions, using the new antennas, will be presented.

LaBelle, Remi C.↗

NASA NTRS2012

DSN Aperture Enhancement Project Office

All contracts are underway for antennas, associated facilities modifications and new transmitters. High risk CPI 100kW klystron and JPL high power uplink microwave components have been designed, prototyped and successfully tested at GDSCC to support the 80kW transmitter implementation and testing at vendor facility. Open issues, which might affect project delivery date, have plans in place or are being created, to maintain DSS-35 Operational Date. There are no known open issues that affect performance. Overall good progress has been made in all areas (procurements, contracts, design and development) and the project is confident that DSS-35 & 36 antennas and the three 80kW Uplink systems will be delivered according to plan.

DSN Aperture Enhancement Project (DAEP)↗

NASA NTRS2017

Calibration and Performance Measurements for the NASA Deep Space Network Aperture Enhancement Project (DAEP)

The NASA Deep Space Network (DSN) has recently constructed two new 34-meter antennas at the Canberra Deep Space Communications Complex (CDSCC). These new antennas are part of the larger DAEP project to add six new 34-meter antennas to the DSN, including two in Madrid, three in Canberra and one in Goldstone (California). The DAEP project included development and implementation of several new technologies for the S, X, Ka (26 GHz) and Ka (32 GHz) -band uplink and downlink electronics, as previously reported. The electronics upgrades were driven by several different considerations, including parts obsolescence, cost reduction, improved reliability and maintainability, and capability to meet future performance requirements. The new antennas are required to support TT&C links for all of the NASA deep-space spacecraft, as well as for several international partners. Some of these missions, such as Voyager 1 and 2, have very limited link budgets, which results in demanding requirements for system G/T performance. These antennas are also required to support radio science missions with several spacecraft, which dictate some demanding requirements for spectral purity, amplitude stability and phase stability for both the uplink and downlink electronics. After completion of these upgrades, a comprehensive campaign of tests and measurements took place to characterize the electronics and calibrate the antennas. Radiometric measurement techniques were applied to characterize, calibrate, and optimize the performance of the antenna parameters. These included optical and RF high-resolution holographic and total power radiometry techniques. These techniques, which are described in the article, resulted in the highest antenna aperture efficiency in the DSN, of 66% achieved, at the highest operating frequency of the antenna, which is Ka-Band (32-GHz). The other measurements and results described include antenna noise temperature, photogrammetry and holography alignment of antenna panels, beam-waveguide mirrors, and subreflector, antenna aperture efficiencies and G/T versus frequency, and antenna pointing models. The first antenna (DSS-35) was entered into operations in October, 2014 and the 2nd antenna (DSS-36) in October, 2016. This paper describes the measurement techniques and results of the testing and calibration for both antennas, along with the driving requirements.

Rochblatt, David J.↗