ATS-6 experimental communications satellite - A report on early orbital results
Abstract
The primary purpose of the ATS-6 spacecraft is to evaluate a variety of new space communications concepts requiring the use of a geosynchronous spacecraft. The uniqueness of the ATS-6 is embodied in the use of a 3-axis stabilization system of sufficient accuracy to fully utilize the narrow beamwidths of the high gain antenna. On July 2, 1974, the ATS-6 was declared operational (launch data was May 30, 1974); subsequently, the spacecraft has successfully supported health and education telecommunications, aircraft ranging and communications, and UHF television broadcasts. The experiments have been performed at frequencies extending from 136 MHz up to 30 GHz and have utilized pointing accuracies of 0.04 degrees.
- Publication:
-
AIAA, 13th Aerospace Sciences Meeting
- Pub Date:
- February 1975
- Bibcode:
- 1975aiaa.meet.....J
- Keywords:
-
- Ats 6;
- Communication Satellites;
- Spacecraft Communication;
- Synchronous Satellites;
- Radio Frequency Interference;
- Satellite Antennas;
- Satellite Television;
- Spacecraft Stability;
- Spacecraft Tracking;
- Space Communications, Spacecraft Communications, Command and Tracking