IMPACT OF SOLAR CALIBRATION ON TELEMETRY SYSTEM TESTING AND CHECKOUT

Abstract

The advent of solar calibration techniques has resulted in a drim--tic reduction in the time required to conduct telemetry antenna system measurements. Solar calibration provides a rapid, simple and accurate means of determining antenna system performance in the field environment. A program of solar calibration was instituted two years ago at the SAMTEC Western Test Range (WTR) as a basis for calibration,.trouble shooting, operational planning and determining premission “Go/No-go” status. Solar testing has assisted the site personnel in decreasing the time required for system performance tests, preventative maintenance, premission checkout and trouble isolation. The results obtained are more accurate than the laboratory or antenna field measurements for the determination of either gain or system noise temperature independently. In most cases, measurements provide absolute values within ±1 db accuracy. The Figure of Merit (M = G/T(s)) is now a required data item for some missions and is requested by the range user to assist in his data evaluation.