Description

JPL spacecraft antennas-from the first Explorer satellite in 1958 to current R & D

Spaceborne Antennas for Planetary Exploration covers the development of Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) spacecraft antennas, beginning with the first Explorer satellite in 1958 through current research and development activities aimed at future missions. Readers follow the evolution of all the new designs and technological innovations that were developed to meet the growing demands of deep space exploration.

The book focuses on the radio frequency design and performance of antennas, but covers environmental and mechanical considerations as well. There is additionally a thorough treatment of all the analytical and measurement techniques used in design and performance assessment. Each chapter is written by one or more leading experts in the field of antenna technology.

The presentation of the history and technology of spaceborne antennas is aided by several features:
* Photographs and drawings of JPL spacecraft
* Illustrations to help readers visualize concepts and designs
* Tables highlighting and comparing the performance of the antennas
* Bibliographies at the end of each chapter leading to a variety of primary and secondary source material

This book complements Large Antennas of the Deep Space Network (Wiley 2002), which surveys the ground antennas covered in support of spacecraft. Together, these two books completely cover all JPL antenna technology, in keeping with the JPL Deep Space Communications and Navigation Series mission to capture and present the many innovations in deep space telecommunications over the past decades.

This book is a fascinating and informative read for all individuals working in or interested in deep space telecommunications.

 

Table of Contents

Foreword.

Preface.

Acknowledgments.

Contributors.

Chapter 1. Introduction (William A. Imbriale, John Huang, and Mark S. Gatti).

1.1 Technology Drivers (William A. Imbriale).

1.2 Analysis Techniques for Designing Reflector Antennas (William A. Imbriale).

1.3 Wire Antennas (William A. Imbriale).

1.4 Microstrip Antenna: Analysis, Design, and Application (John Huang).

1.5 Antenna Measurements (Mark. S. Gatti).

References.

Chapter 2. The Early Years (William A. Imbriale).

2.1 Explorer 1. 2.2 Pioneers 3 and 4.

2.3 Project ranger.

2.4 Surveyor.

References.

Chapter 3. The Planetary Flybys (William A. Imbriale).

3.1 The Mariner Series.

3.2 Voyager Mission to the Outer Planets.

References.

Chapter 4. The Mars Missions (Joseph Vacchione).

4.1 Overview of Missions to Mars.

4.2 NASA Mars Orbiters/Landers.

4.3 Mars Rovers.

4.4 Continued mars Exploration.

References.

Chapter 5. The Orbiters (William A. Imbriale, Mark S. Gatti and Roberto Mizzoni).

5.1 Magellan to Venus (William A. Imbriale).

5.2 The Galileo Antenna System (Mark S. Gatti).

5.3 The Cassini High-Gain Antenna Subsystem (Roberto Mizzoni).

References.

Chapter 6. Spaceborne SAR Antennas for Earth Science (Yunjin Kim and Rolando L. Jordan).

6.1 Introduction.

6.2 Characteristics of Spaceborne Earth Science SAR Antennas.

6.3 Seasat, SIR-A, and SIR-B Spaceborne Antennas.

6.4 SIR-C and SRTM Antennas.

6.5 Future Antenna Technologies and Concluding Remarks.

References.

Chapter 7. Instrument Packages (&