Interagency Arraying

Abstract

Voyager ground aperture requirements for Neptune encounter in August 1989 exceed the expected capabilities of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Deep Space Network (DSN) 70- and 34-meter antennas. Agreements have been consummated with the National Science Foundation to array the National Radio Astronomy Observatory's Very Large Array in New Mexico and with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization's Parkes Radio Telescope in Australia with the DSN. This technique, which was demonstrated during Voyager's Uranus encounter, will provide a greater return of imaging and non-imaging science data. The arrays consist of the normal facility receiving equipment at each location, augmented by special receiving, combining, recording, and monitor and control equipment. This equipment has been designed, is being implemented, and will be operated during the Neptune encounter to effectively double the available antenna aperture over the western United States and Australia.