Autotracking from space - The TDRSS approachThe TDRSS will provide telecommunications support to near-earth orbiting satellites through the 1980s and into the 1990s. The system incorporates two operational satellites at geostationary altitude and a single ground station at White Sands, NM. Of the many tasks facing the engineering team in development of this system, one of the most challenging was K-band autotrack. An approach not previously attempted placed the error detection, processing, and feedback elements for automatic control of the TDR satellite antennas on the ground. This approach offered several advantages to the designers but posed a number of interesting questions during the development program. The autotrack system design and its test program are described with emphasis given to areas of special interest in developing a working K-band service.
Document ID
19840066396
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Spearing, R. E. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Harper, W. R. (TRW Inc. TRW Space and Technology Group, Redondo Beach, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1984
Subject Category
Space Communications, Spacecraft Communications, Command And Tracking