DocumentCode
892238
Title
The Ultra Cone: An Ultra-Low-Noise Space Communication Ground Radio-Frequency System
Author
Levy, Gerald S. ; Bathker, Dan A. ; Higa, Walter ; Stelzried, C.T.
Volume
16
Issue
9
fYear
1968
fDate
9/1/1968 12:00:00 AM
Firstpage
596
Lastpage
602
Abstract
Maximum sensitivity was required for the reception of Mariner V signals as it was occulted by the planet Venus. To meet this requirement, an ultra-low-noise radio-frequency system (ultra cone) was developed for the JPL/NASA Deep Space Instrumentation Facility (DSIF). The system consisted of an 85-foot antenna with a Cassegrain feed, low-noise transmission line components, and closed-cycle refrigerated maser amplifier. The antenna (at zenith), transmission line, and maser contributed about 9°K, 2°K, and 5°K, respectively, for a total operating noise temperature of approximately 16°K. The antenna feed, maser system, and calibration techniques are described in detail.
Keywords
Antenna accessories; Antenna feeds; Instruments; Masers; NASA; Planets; Radio frequency; Refrigeration; Transmission line antennas; Venus;
fLanguage
English
Journal_Title
Microwave Theory and Techniques, IEEE Transactions on
Publisher
ieee
ISSN
0018-9480
Type
jour
DOI
10.1109/TMTT.1968.1126758
Filename
1126758
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