Potential Astronomy Applications of Large Deep Space Network Arrays

Computer Science – Performance

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

Scientific paper

NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory are considering future upgrades to the Deep Space Network (DSN) to increase sensitivity and reduce operating costs. Among the most promising options are large arrays of small-diameter antennas, which can reduce the cost per unit of collecting area and are very robust against individual antenna or receiver failures. If large DSN arrays are built, they will be potentially valuable assets for radio and radar astronomy in addition to their primary role of spacecraft tracking. We have recently completed a study of the scientific uses of DSN arrays, assuming that they are built according to the current design that considers only spacecraft tracking requirements. We then examined a number of possible upgrades to the current array design to increase the scientific potential, and estimated the incremental cost (in dollars and performance loss) of each upgrade. We conclude that a significant increase in bandwidth, by a factor of 2-8, is the most cost-effective upgrade for the arrays. Other upgrade options considered include enhanced tuning range (wider feed, polarizer, and amplifier frequency coverage), increased correlator capacity, additional frequency bands, and the addition of a small number of antenna clusters located a few hundred km from each main DSN array site. This study was carried out at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, under contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Potential Astronomy Applications of Large Deep Space Network Arrays does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Potential Astronomy Applications of Large Deep Space Network Arrays, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Potential Astronomy Applications of Large Deep Space Network Arrays will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1158488

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.