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Advances in Ground Transmitters for the NASA Deep Space NetworkThe Deep Space Network (DSN), managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory for NASA, is equipped with multiple microwave transmitters ranging in average radiated power from 200 W to 400 kW. The transmitters are used for routine or emergency communication with spacecraft, for navigation, and for radio science tasks. The latest advances in transmitter engineering were implemented in a new generation of 20-kW dual-band transmitters developed for the DSN 34-m beam waveguide antennas. Innovations include additional X-band communication capability for near Earth missions, new control algorithms, automated calibration, improved and expanded computerized monitoring and diagnostics, reduced cabling, and improved maintainability. The innovations were very beneficial for the DSN 'overload' during the Mars 2003/2004 missions and will benefit other missions throughout the next decade. This paper describes the current design of the new transmitters and possible future developments.
Document ID
20080045907
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Vodonos, Yakov I.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Conroy, Bruce L.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Losh, David L.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Silva, Arnold
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 2007
Publication Information
Publication: Proceedings of the IEEE
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Volume: 95
Issue: 10
Subject Category
Space Communications, Spacecraft Communications, Command And Tracking
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
microwaves
space vehicle communications
transmitter
Ground support

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