Author
Zelon, MichaelAffiliation
Space Transportation & Systems Group Rockwell InternationalIssue Date
1982-09
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Copyright © International Foundation for TelemeteringCollection Information
Proceedings from the International Telemetering Conference are made available by the International Foundation for Telemetering and the University of Arizona Libraries. Visit http://www.telemetry.org/index.php/contact-us if you have questions about items in this collection.Abstract
The payload interrogator (PI) for communication between the orbiter and detached DOD/NASA payloads is described. Salient features of the PI are discussed, including its capabilities and limitations. For compatible operation in the orbiter’s electromagnetic environment, the PI is equipped with a dual triplexer assembly. A limiter diode circuitry allows the PI to be safely exposed to high effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) payloads at close range. A dual conversion PM short-loop receiver has a sufficient dynamic range for undistorted reception of near and distant payload signals. The PI acquires signals from compatible transponders within ±112 kHz of its center frequency. The center frequency can be set at 125-kHz steps for the spaceflight tracking and data network (STDN), 370 kHz for the deep space network (DSN), and 5 MHz for the space satellite control facility (SCF). The PI has falselock- on protection capability to accommodate reliable acquisition of standard NASA and DOD payload transponders. The wideband phase detector demodulates baseband information, and by the use of AGC, provides three independent constant-level data outputs. Each of the 861 frequency channels is generated instantaneously by the receiver and transmitter synthesizers. The PM-modulated RF carrier transfers command information to the detached payloads. The RF output power is adjustable to assure reliable communication with payloads of various sensitivities (G/T). A wide and narrow carrier sweep capability is provided to accommodate any frequency uncertainty of payloads. The transmitter has an ON-OFF modulation control to avoid false-lock-on problems. The PSP command input modulation index is fixed, while the modulation index for the PS is a function of the input voltage. The PI receiver’s complementary transmit channels are spaced 115 kHz for STDN, 341 kHz for DSN, and 4 MHz for SCF. The PI is compatible with the orbiter’s configuration control equipment—GCIL, the PSP and PS for I/O data transfer, the Ku-band subsystem for “bent pipe” baseband telemetry transmission to ground, the MDM for the PI’s telemetry transfer, and the RHCP/LHCP antenna subsystem. Overall PI capabilities and limitations for communication with unique payloads are also presented.Sponsors
International Foundation for TelemeteringISSN
0884-51230074-9079