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:
- 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.
- 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. Antenna Pattern Reconstruction Tasks. Develop software that
reconstructs SURFSAT-1 antenna patterns by using the on-orbit data
received at X- and Ka-band.
- 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."
- 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.
- 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:
- Proceedings of the IEEE, May 1994, Special Issue on Radio Telescopes. In particular see:
- Ground Antennas in NASA's Deept Space Telecommunications, W. Rafferty,
et al, pgs. 636-645
- Precision DS Radiometer Systems; Impact on Microwave Calibrations,
C.T. Stelzried and M.J. Klein, pgs. 776- 787
- The Fractional Frequency Stability of a 34-m-Diameter Beam-Waveguide
Antenna, T.Y. Otoshi, M.M. Franco and G.F. Lutes, pgs. 788-796
- Ruby Masers for Maximum G/Top, J.S. Shell et al, pgs. 796.810
- Ka-Band Study -1988 Final Report, J.W. Layland et al, Feb 15, 1989, JPL D-6015
- J. Yuen: "Deep Space Telecommunications Systems Engineering"
- L. Ippolito: "Radiowave Propagation in Satellite Communications"
- R.F. Harrington: "Field Computation by Moment Methods"
- Schwarz, "Electromagnetics for Engineers"
- S. Ramo, J. Whinnery and T. Van Duser: "Fields and Waves in Communications Electronics"
- 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