An important historical look at the space program’s evolving
telecommunications systems
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.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
Foreword xi
Preface xiii
Acknowledgments xv
Chapter 1: Introduction 1
Chapter 2: Deep Space Station 11: Pioneer-The First Large Deep Space Network Cassegrain Antenna 71
Chapter 3: Deep Space Station 12: Echo 79
Chapter 4: Deep Space Station 13: Venus 89
Chapter 5: Deep Space Station 14: Mars 97
Chapter 6: Deep Space Station 15: Uranus-The First 34-Meter High-Efficiency Antenna 157
Chapter 7: The 34-Meter Research and Development Beam-Waveguide Antenna 167
Chapter 8: The 34-Meter Beam-Waveguide Operational Antennas 225
Chapter 9: The Antenna Research System Task 257
Chapter 10: The Next-Generation Deep Space Network 283
Acronyms and Abbreviations 295
Über den Autor
WILLIAM A. IMBRIALE is Senior Research Engineer at the California Institute of Technology’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.