Project Title: SURFSAT

Project Description:

The SURFSAT-1 Mission Operations and Data Analysis team has a number of tasks that seem appropriate for SURF-95. SURFSAT-1 is scheduled for launch into a polar orbit on September 20, 1995. SURFSAT-1 is an experimental microwave satellite developed by many students working on the project since 1987, with the help of JPL staff members.

The SURFSAT-1 Mission Operations and Data Analysis summer tasks will address the development of technology needed for several functions. Up to six Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships will be awarded for this purpose. The planned tasks include:

  1. SURFSAT-1 Mission Operations Management Task. This SURFSAT-1 mission operations management task includes the integration of software to facilitate the planning, scheduling, and reporting of SURFSAT-1 activities such as SURFSAT-1 Sequence of Events, Mission status, and scheduling of DSS-13.
  2. X- and Ka-band Antenna Pattern Prediction Tasks. Develop and utilize software to predict 8451 MHz (X-band) and 32 GHz (Ka-band) antenna radiation patterns from the SURFSAT-1 antennas and then the more complex patterns that include scattering off of the Delta-2 Second Stage rocket.
  3. 3. Antenna Pattern Reconstruction Tasks. Develop software that reconstructs SURFSAT-1 antenna patterns by using the on-orbit data received at X- and Ka-band.
  4. DSS-13 Antenna and Frequency "Predicts" Task. Investigate the procedures and processes needed to determine the SURFSAT-1 velocity and position as need for the prediction of antenna pointing angles (azimuth and elevation angles as a function of time), and receiver and transmitter frequencies as affected by Doppler. Develop the software needed to produce and utilize the needed antenna pointing and frequency "predicts."
  5. Meteorological Monitor Assembly Task. Prepare test procedures for the Meteorological Monitor Assembly (MMA) pre-launch checkout for SURFSAT-1 support. Insure that the MMA data is recorded with the appropriate format needed for data archiving and for later correlation with the X- and Ka-band carrier data.
  6. Automatic Visibility Monitor (AVM) Task. Assist in tests of the optical star-tracking AVM at Goldstone. Correlate MMA readings to the clarity of the atmosphere as measured by the AVM.

Literature References:

  1. Proceedings of the IEEE, May 1994, Special Issue on Radio Telescopes. In particular see:
  2. Ka-Band Study -1988 Final Report, J.W. Layland et al, Feb 15, 1989, JPL D-6015
  3. J. Yuen: "Deep Space Telecommunications Systems Engineering"
  4. L. Ippolito: "Radiowave Propagation in Satellite Communications"
  5. R.F. Harrington: "Field Computation by Moment Methods"
  6. Schwarz, "Electromagnetics for Engineers"
  7. S. Ramo, J. Whinnery and T. Van Duser: "Fields and Waves in Communications Electronics"
  8. M. Davidoff: "The Satellite Experimenter's Handbook"

Requirements:

The research sponsor suggests you refer to the following for information on the project:

The sponsor requires that interested students meet the following requirements:

This opportunity is for:

Caltech students. Will consider non-Caltech students

Research Sponsor

Sponsor: Robert C. Clauss and Greg J. Kazz
Division: JPL
Mail Code: 230-235
Phone: (818) 393-6529
E-mail:

For further information about the project, the student should contact: Greg Kazz