GOES data collection system. GOES-2 test report (Geostationary Orbiting Environmental Satellite)

A series of engineering tests was performed on the Data Collection System (DCS) communications links through the Geostationary Orbiting Environmental Satellite (GOES 2) which was launched by NASA. The tests were conducted at the NOAA Command and Data Acquisition (CDA) facility in Wallops, Virginia between 16 August and 20 August 1977. Both the Interrogate and Response links of the DCS were evaluated to determine their post-launch operational characteristics. The purpose of these tests was to determine the communications parameters of the DCS Interrogate and response links of the GOES 2 satellite. The data collected would be such that it could be used to: (1) verify or update the DCS System Standards and performance specifications; (2) isolate areas that could potentially impose operations limitations upon DCS users; and (3) recommend possible engineering improvements for future DCS-related equipments.