Citation
Abstract
A malfunction of the DSN 64-meter antenna in Australia forced the antenna to operate with a mispositioned subreflector during the Voyager Uranus encounter period (January 24, 1986), Because of changing main reflector shape and quadripod position as a function of elevation angle, the antenna gain and pointing were not as expected, and the &.45-GHz received signal level changed during the pass. The study described here used Geometrical Theory of Diffraction (GTD) analysis to determine actual antenna gain and pointing during that period in an attempt to reconstruct the radio science data. It is found that 1.4 dB of signal variation can be accounted for by antenna geometry changes and pointing error. Suggested modifications to the values measured during the pass are presented. Additionally, an extremely useful tool for the analysis of gravity-deformed reflectors was developed for use in future antenna design and analysis projects.
Details
- Volume
- 42-90
- Published
- August 15, 1987
- Pages
- 127–135
- File Size
- 666.4 KB