Signal encoding and telemetry systems for space vehicles

This report summarizes the main work carried out under this contract (December 4, 1979 through December 3, 1982). Contract effort can be grouped under research and development of airborne instrumentation systems, study and analysis programs, rocket and balloon field programs, and evaluation testing of telemetry components. Instrumentation systems developed have included a programmable PCM encoder, a programmable data selector, slow scan television, preflight calibrator and a recovery beacon system. Studies have been conducted on uses of the TDRSS system and analysis has been made of the signal-to-noise ratio of the Aeronomy type sphere telemetry system. Rocket field programs have been involved with Field Widened Interferometer, Aeronomy, Energy Campaign, Tracer, Solar Proton Events, Auroral-E, Brazilian Ionospheric Modifications Experiment and Sensor Ejection Systems while Balloon field programs have been in support of an Extreme Ultra Violet Experiment. New testing procedures involving vacuum testing, RF power measurements and temperature monitoring are mentioned along with reference to the number of components tested.