Citation

Abstract

A spin-stabilized spacecraft can produce an amplitude and phase variation to the normally phase-modulated downlink carrier signal due to its antenna characteristics. The manifestation of these variations is equivalent to an amplitude and frequency modulation to the carrier signal, and the effects to the telemetry link must be considered. The Helios spacecraft and mission is a typical case, and means for simulating a certain portion of the flight profile, which will create such conditions, was utilized to test and evaluate the effect upon the DSIF Telemetry System. Initial test results indicated that the Telemetry System was more sensitive to the phase variation than to amplitude variations in increasing the detected symbol error rate for a given telecommunication link situation.

Details

Volume
XIV
Published
April 15, 1973
Pages
149–160
File Size
982.9 KB