Deep Space Communications

This paper discusses the various factors that influenced the design of the TRACE deep space communications system, the choice of the operating frequency, and the selection of a suitable ground antenna. The configuration of the three different microwave communications system stations??launch, injection, and deep space??employed in the Pioneer III and IV experiments is given, together with a description of the computing and interstation communications system. A brief description of the performance of the TRACE systems, its proposed development, and its future capabilities is also included.