Citation
Abstract
The ongoing activities at the Venus Station (DSS 13) and the Microwave Test Facility (MTF) during the period February 14 through June 5, 1977, are discussed and progress noted. Completion of phase one equipment implementation for unattended operation at DSS 13 is noted and operation demonstrated with several “hands off” spacecraft downlink acquisitions, using either locally (DSS 13) directed or remotely (JPL) directed computer control. Salvaging of a 20-kW klystron, at a cost savings of several thousand dollars, was accomplished by the DSN High Power Transmitter Facility, along with its more routine activities of testing and repairing high power transmitter components. Extensive tracking activities with the 26-m antenna are discussed, including DSN Platform Parameters, Multistation Planetary Radar, Helios IT Spectrum Broadening Analysis, VLBI Validation, Planetary Radio Astronomy, and Pulsar Rotation Constancy, for a total time of 219-1/4 observing hours. Clock synchronization transmissions from the DSS 13 master clock to the overseas 64-m antenna complexes are reported and special implementation activities in support of PV-78 are discussed. Implementation of a Hydrogen Maser Frequency Standard and the “pathfinder” installation of a Utility Control System (UCS) are reported, and significant station modification and maintenance activity are noted.
Details
- Volume
- 42-40
- Published
- August 15, 1977
- Pages
- 200–202
- File Size
- 390.6 KB