Description

Large Antennas of the Deep Space Network traces the development of the antennas of NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN) from the network's inception in 1958 to the present. It details the evolution of the large parabolic dish antennas, from the initial 26-m operation at L-band (960 MHz) through the current Ka-band (32 GHz) systems. Primarily used for telecommunications, these antennas also support radar and radio astronomy observations in the exploration of the solar system and the universe. In addition, the author also offers thorough treatment of the analytical and measurement techniques used in design and performance assessment.

Large Antennas of the Deep Space Network represents a vital addition to the literature in that it includes NASA-funded research that significantly impacts on deep space telecommunications. Part of the prestigious JPL Deep Space Communications and Navigation Series, it captures fundamental principles and practices developed during decades of deep space exploration, providing information that will enable antenna professionals to replicate radio frequencies and optics designs.

Designed as an introduction for students in the field as well as a reference for advanced practitioners, the text assumes a basic familiarity with engineering and mathematical concepts and technical terms.
The Deep Space Communications and Navigation Series is authored by scientists and engineers with extensive experience in astronautics, communications, and related fields. It lays the foundation for innovation in the areas of deep space navigation and communications by disseminating state-of-the-art knowledge in key technologies.

Table of Contents

Foreword.

Preface.

Acknowledgments.

Chapter 1 : Introduction.

1.1 Technology Drivers.

1.2 Analysis Techniques for Designing Reflector Antennas.

1.3 Measurement Techniques.

1.4 Techniques for Designing Beam-Waveguide Systems.

1.5 Summary.

References.

Chapter 2: Deep Space Station 11: Pioneer-The First Large Deep Space Network Cassegrain Antenna.

2.1 Introduction to the Cassegrain Concept.

2.2 Factors Influencing Cassegrain Geometry.

2.3 The DSS-11, 26-Meter Cassegrain System.

References.

Chapter 3: Deep Space Station 12: Echo.

3.1 The S-Band Cassegrain Monopulse Feed Horn.

3.2 The 26-Meter S-/X-Band Conversion Project.

3.3 The Goldstone-Apple Valley Radio Telescope.

References.

Chapter 4: Deep Space Station 13: Venus.

4.1 The Dual-Mode Conical Feed Horn.

4.2 Gain Calibration.

References.

Chapter 5: Deep Space Station 14: Mars.

5.1 Antenna Structure.

5.2 S.Band. 1966.

5.3 Performance at X-Band.

5.4 Tricone Multiple Cassegrain Feed System.

5.5 Reflex-Dichroic Feed System.

5.6 L-Band.

5.7 The Upgrade from 64 Meters to 70 Meters.

5.8 Distortion Compensation.

5.9 Future Interests and Challenges.

References.

Chapter 6: Deep Space Station 15: Uranus-The First 34-Meter High-Efficiency Antenna.

6.1 The Common-Aperture Feed.

6.2 Dual-Reflector Shaping.

6.3 Computed versus Measured Performance.

References.

Chapter 7: The 34-Meter Research and Development Beam-Waveguide Antenna.

7.1 New Analytical Techniques.

7.2 Beam-Waveguide Test Facility.

7.3 The New Antenna.

7.4 Phase I Measured Results.

7.5 Removal of the Bypass Beam Waveguide.

7.6 Multifrequency Operation.

7.7 Bearn-Waveguide Versatility.

References.

Chapter 8: The 34-Meter Beam-Waveguide Operational Antennas.

8.1 Bearn-Waveguide Design.

8.2 Initial Testing.

8.3 Adding Ka-Band to the Operational 34-Meter Bearn-Waveguide Antennas.

References.

Chapter 9: The Antenna Research System Task.

9.1 Design of the Beam-Waveguide System.

9.2 Design of the Transmit Feed Horn.

9.3 Receive-System Design.

9.4 Dual-Vane Polarizers.

9.5 Uplink Arraying.

9.6 Deep Space Station 27.

References.

Chapter 10: The Next-Generation Deep Space Network.

10.1 The Study to Replace 70-Meter Antennas.

10.2 Towards the Interplanetary Network.

10.3 Final Thoughts.

References.

Acronyms and Abbreviations.