Session
Technical Session IV: New Hardware in Space
Abstract
Deep Space One (DS1) is the first of the New Millennium Program deep space technology validation missions, to be launched October 1998. This paper focuses on the Telecommunication Subsystem architecture, technology developments, as well as the test results. Technical factors that influenced the subsystem architecture were the ability to command the spacecraft and downlink telemetry data in cruise and emergency situations, and the need to provide radiometric data. Additional challenges included the requirement to demonstrate new telecommunication technology, enable the validation of other system technologies (for example solar electric propulsion, autonomous navigation, and beacon monitor operation), and at the same time utilize a single string system design. From a programmatic perspective we had to accomplish these goals within a budget and workforce load that was at least a factor 2 less than the Mars Pathfinder Project. The Small Deep Space Transponder (SDST), a new technology developed by Motorola, is the heart of the Telecommunication Subsystem and is a result of a JPL multimission sponsored competitive award. The SDST provides the functionality normally associated with 4-5 individual subassemblies at less than half the mass (2.95 kg). Another new technology to be validated on DS1 is a 2.5W Ka-band solid state amplifier developed by Lockheed Martin (under their own funding). This technology not only extends the robustness of the system design (augmenting the X-band downlink) but also provides the capability to characterize Ka-band deep space communication links. Infusion of new technologies did not allow for the traditional subsystem integration and test program due to the additional lead time required for the technology developments. Working with the Project, we defined a test plan that was consistent with the spacecraft integration timeline while still providing enough characterization to ensure confidence of the subsystem's functionality in flight.
Deep Space One Telecommunication Development
Deep Space One (DS1) is the first of the New Millennium Program deep space technology validation missions, to be launched October 1998. This paper focuses on the Telecommunication Subsystem architecture, technology developments, as well as the test results. Technical factors that influenced the subsystem architecture were the ability to command the spacecraft and downlink telemetry data in cruise and emergency situations, and the need to provide radiometric data. Additional challenges included the requirement to demonstrate new telecommunication technology, enable the validation of other system technologies (for example solar electric propulsion, autonomous navigation, and beacon monitor operation), and at the same time utilize a single string system design. From a programmatic perspective we had to accomplish these goals within a budget and workforce load that was at least a factor 2 less than the Mars Pathfinder Project. The Small Deep Space Transponder (SDST), a new technology developed by Motorola, is the heart of the Telecommunication Subsystem and is a result of a JPL multimission sponsored competitive award. The SDST provides the functionality normally associated with 4-5 individual subassemblies at less than half the mass (2.95 kg). Another new technology to be validated on DS1 is a 2.5W Ka-band solid state amplifier developed by Lockheed Martin (under their own funding). This technology not only extends the robustness of the system design (augmenting the X-band downlink) but also provides the capability to characterize Ka-band deep space communication links. Infusion of new technologies did not allow for the traditional subsystem integration and test program due to the additional lead time required for the technology developments. Working with the Project, we defined a test plan that was consistent with the spacecraft integration timeline while still providing enough characterization to ensure confidence of the subsystem's functionality in flight.
