Citation
Abstract
The ground tracking stations (GTSs) that supported the VLBI Space Observatory Program (VSOP) space very long baseline interferometry (SVLBI) mission were all implemented as a unified architecture, a configuration that makes use of a single antenna for all communications. VSOP provided extensive engineering insight and verification of the necessary functionality for SVLBI GTSs. Lessons learned from these experiences, along with technique refinements and changing prerequisites, compel future GTSs to be constructed in the form of a segmented architecture, where functionally separate antennas are used for data reception and for phase transfer and telemetry. It is believed there are significant economic and operational advantages to the segmented approach. However, some concern has been expressed that the segmented architecture might introduce unusual data and phase transfer timing problems, making it more difficult for the VLBI correlator to obtain fringes. To assuage these anxieties, a segmented experiment was successfully conducted at the Goldstone tracking facilities during the summer of 2001.
Keywords
Details
- Volume
- 42-149
- Published
- May 15, 2002
- Pages
- 1–17
- File Size
- 285.6 KB