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Communications SystemHow does DS1's communications system work? |
There are three brand-new features on DS1. One is that DS1 will be testing a higher frequency for radio transmissions, known as Ka-band, for some communications. This technology experiment consists of a very compact, rugged device that amplifies the Ka-band signal before it is transmitted through the antenna. These transmissions will be used to help evaluate whether Ka-band should be used in future missions.
Another new feature is what is called Beacon Monitor Operations. An autonomous
onboard system diagnoses the spacecraft's condition. Then the Beacon Monitor
Operations system selects one of four signals to transmit back to Earth. These
signals are simple and can be picked up by small receivers. The signals are:
Figure from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory Deep Space One Web Site:
http://nmp.jpl.nasa.gov/ds1/
With this system, the huge DSN receivers will only need to be used when the Beacon Monitor Operations says there is a problem or something else in particular to pay attention to. This eliminates the need to use a large amount of NASA resources to receive routine data from DS1.
The third new feature is called the Small Deep Space Transponder. This device combines many separate telecommunications system functions into one unit. This unit is one-half the mass of what previously would have been needed. Future space projects that use the transponder will be saved the burden of designing their own telecommunications systems, and will be able to take the advantage of these modern components and small mass.
What is frequency?
What new technologies are being tested on DS1?
Why is mass important?
