Signal Design for Space Communication and Tracking Systems

The fundamental signal design considerations for space communication and tracking systems are discussed. The signal design principles are illustrated by application to the characterization and design of precision tracking signals in view of the fact that meeting the requirements of precision tracking is a prerequisite for the realization of an integrated space system. Tracking signals are characterized in terms of the properties of their autocorrelation functions and are classified as harmonic and nonharmonic. Criteria for comparing tracking systems are established and systems based on tracking signals representative of sidetone, and pseudorandom coded sequences are compared. A third class of signals is defined which combines the desirable features of both types.