Citation

Abstract

DSS 14 pointing and gain were calibrated to support X-band bi-static radar observations of Saturn’s rings. The observations used the Goldstone Solar System Radar and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory Very Large Array in Socorro, New Mexico. The pointing calibrations were based on conscan offset data collected during Voyager 1 and 2 support passes. The conscan data show angle-of-arrival sensing with no bias and 0.3-mdeg 1-o error. Using the calibrations, demonstrated blind pointing performance on Saturn was <3-mdeg 1-0 error. Meteorological observations at the site were used to reduce elevation errors caused by atmospheric refraction. The techniques used corrected about one-third of the error— poorer than expected performance.

Details

Volume
42-93
Published
May 15, 1988
Pages
309–337
File Size
1.1 MB