Manned Space Flight Network Telemetry System

Abstract

This paper discusses the Manned Space Flight Network (MSFN) Telemetry System as it has been developed through the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs and is now being modified to meet Skylab, Earth Resources Technology Satellite (ERTS), and Apollo "J" mission (Apollo 16 and subsequent lunar missions) requirements. The existing telemetry system must be modified to meet the requirements of these future programs. This modification will consist of the implementation of automated configuration switching, centralized control of telemetry subsystems, tunable FM and PSK modulators/ demodulators, high frequency PCM signal conditioners, and the upgrading of both the wide band instrumentation magnetic tape recorders and the PCM decommutation capability. The resulting telemetry system, which will be capable of supporting various manned and unmanned space missions, is described here. Data flow diagrams are delineated and equipment electrical characteristics are discussed.