Citation
Abstract
This article considers the options for frequency choice for high-data-rate links at Mars during the next 10 to 20 years. Current Mars local links use UHF (400 MHz) for data rates up to 2 Mb/s. Higher data rates will require a wider bandwidth and improved link performance. A frequency higher than UHF will more easily achieve the improved performance. The selected frequency should also be available on a non-interfering basis with the direct-to-Earth links for existing and future Mars spacecraft, allow for reuse of hardware on the spacecraft, and support near-Earth testing of the relay-link hardware. The chosen frequency should also support approaching spacecraft navigation. Based on these considerations, a list of possible candidate frequency bands has been identified. The candidate frequency bands are presented here along with their strengths and weaknesses.
Details
- Volume
- 42-153
- Published
- May 15, 2003
- Pages
- 1–10
- File Size
- 292.1 KB