LANDSAT D: X-band analysis study

The effects of the use of an X-band carrier frequency on the transmission link margins and on the affected ground station equipment are investigated. The specific effects of the X-band carrier frequency allocation on the link margin are detailed. This includes an examination of a Local User Terminal's (LUT) coverage circle radius requirements, detailed elements of the link calculation, and specific spacecraft and ground configurations that would satisfy the link requirements. The requirements that spacecraft signal acquisition and tracking place on the front-end of the ground station equipment are also examined. The availability of the required ground station equipment and representative costs for these items are included. The costs considered shall be both for procurement of a new ground station (front-end only) and for modification of an existing S-band station to X-band.