ATS mechanically despun communications satellite antenna

Author

Blaisdell, Leonard ; Rubin, Richard ; Mahr, Otto

Author_Institution

Sylvania Electronics Systems, Needham Heights, MA, USA

Volume

17

Issue

4

fYear

1969

fDate

7/1/1969 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

415

Lastpage

428

Abstract

The antenna system described is one of the experiments on NASAs ATS-III spin stabilized satellite that was launched on November 5, 1967. It was put into synchronous orbit shortly thereafter and has been operating satisfactorily since. Using a line source feed illuminating a parabolic cylindrical reflector, a linearly polarized gain over 17 dB is achieved. The antenna is positioned by means of a vernier type stepping motor-drive system that points the antenna beam towards earth within approximately $\\pm0.7$ degree in accordance with instructions received on the satellite from the ground control station. Prior to launch, the antenna system was subjected to extensive qualification testing. Confidence in a desired five-year life in orbit for the motor-drive system was obtained by testing the lubrication system and bearings for 7800 hours at temperatures ranging from $-80\\deg$ F to $+120\\deg$ F at vacuum pressures as low as $1 \\times 10^{-8}$ torr.

Keywords

Satellite antennas; Artificial satellites; Control systems; Feeds; Gain; Polarization; Qualifications; Receiving antennas; Satellite antennas; Satellite ground stations; System testing;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Antennas and Propagation, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-926X

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/TAP.1969.1139465

Filename

1139465