VANGUARD/PLACE EXPERIMENT SYSTEM DESIGN AND TEST PLAN

Abstract

A system design and test plan are described for operational evaluation of the NASA-Goddard Position Location and Aircraft Communications Equipment (PLACE), at C-band (4/6GHz), using NASA’s ship, the USNS Vanguard, and the ATS-3 and ATS-5 synchronous satellites. The Sea Test phase, extending from March 29, 1973 to April 15, 1973 has been successfully completed; the principal objectives of the experiment were achieved. Typical PLACE-computed, position-location data is shown for the Vanguard. Position location and voice-quality measurements were excellent; ship position was determined within 2 nmi; high-quality, 2-way voice transmissions resulted as determined from audience participation, intelligibility and articulation-index analysis. A C-band/L-band satellite trilateration experiment is discussed.