Advanced technology for space communications and tracking systems
Abstract
The communications needs for the Growth Space Station (GSS) are envisioned to drive NASA to seek unique concepts and capability to establish this permanent presence in space. Furthermore, it will provide a facility to assemble, test, and deploy rather large and unique communications systems/subsystems. GSS is envisioned to need or desire the capability to communicate with many more satellites and spacecraft than the initial operating capability (IOC). The increased interconnectivity will include links with numerous NASA and other U.S. Government satellites, commercial satellites, foreign spacecraft, and deep space missions. In parallel, the payloads/experiments on Space Station are expected to increase in numbers and in terms of data gathering capabilities. The use of automation and robotics will require high data rate and extremely reliable links. The GSS will need to accommodate continually evolving and largely unknown future requirements for coverage, data rates, number of users, etc. This requirement for flexibility over a long term will provide a unique challenge to develop systems which are user transparent and which are quickly reconfigurable. Deep space communications are driven by the relatively near-term envisioned missions to the Moon and Mars. In addition to these, projected NASA missions include Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and comet/asteroid probes. These future deep space missions will require highly reliable, long life, and very efficient communications and tracking systems to ensure success. Additionally, for space proximity operations, systems capable of supporting rendezvous, station keeping, and soft docking between various vehicles, Shuttle, satellites, unknown objects, and Space Stations are needed. In this paper, technology advancements in the communications and tracking areas being pursued within NASA, as applicable to future missions and associated space operations, are presented. The relevance of optical-, laser-, and millimeter-wave based implementations to various applications is discussed and future needed advancements identified.
- Publication:
-
Acta Astronautica
- Pub Date:
- 1990
- DOI:
- 10.1016/0094-5765(90)90104-S
- Bibcode:
- 1990AcAau..21...29K