Citation
Abstract
This article documents the benefits of using 32 GHz downlinks for a set of deep space missions, as well as the implications to radio science and the DSN. The basic comparison is between the use of the current X-band (8.4 GHz) and a 32 GHz (Ka-band) downlink. There has been shown to be approximately an 8 dB (about 600%) link advantage for 32 GHz. This 8 dB advantage could be able to either reduce mission cost or improve mission Science return. Included here are studies on how the 8 dB advantage would be used for the Cassini and Mars Sample Return missions. While the work is preliminary, it shows that the 8 dB advantage can be exploited to provide large benefits to future deep space missions. There can be significant mass and/or power savings to the spacecraft, which can translate into a cost savings. Alternatively, the increased downlink telecommunications performance can provide a greater science return.
Details
- Volume
- 42-88
- Published
- February 15, 1987
- Pages
- 110–119
- File Size
- 700.2 KB