S-band telemetry antenna systems for scientific satellites
Abstract
The requirements and system design of telemetry antennas for scientific satellites are examined. An idealized spacecraft system would consist of a single omnidirectional antenna feeding two separate transponder chains for reliability, where the receivers are permanently connected via a 3-dB coupler and diplexer while the transmitters are selected by switch. Two specific cases are covered as illustrative examples. The change to S-band spacecraft telemetry systems is shown to offer the opportunity of incorporating antennas that are several wavelengths in size. Hence some control can be exercised over their radiation patterns in order to optimize gain in the required coverage zones and also minimize performance degradation due to reradiation off the satellite structure. Optimum antenna system design then results from a parametric study of mechanical, electrical, and economic aspects.
- Publication:
-
Antennas for Aircraft and Spacecraft
- Pub Date:
- 1975
- Bibcode:
- 1975aasc.conf...64B
- Keywords:
-
- Antenna Design;
- Microwave Antennas;
- Radio Telemetry;
- Satellite Antennas;
- Scientific Satellites;
- Data Links;
- Directional Antennas;
- Esa Satellites;
- Transponders;
- Space Communications, Spacecraft Communications, Command and Tracking