RF Closed Loop Checkout of the Agena Vehicle

On a given missile range, it may be necessary to perform Radio Frequency tests on missiles or space vehicles. If there are many complexes on the launch base, RF transmissions from a complex may interfere with the RF tests on another complex. If RF facilities external to the complex must be used for all RF tests, only one complex at a time may perform RF checkout procedures. A requirement may also exist that dictates all RF transmissions must be secure from reception outside the launch complex. An RF checkout system must then be designed to meet these requirements. Such a system has been designed by the Lockheed Missiles and Space Company, AGE Division, Van Nuys, California. It is known as the RF Closed Loop System. It was designed to checkout VHF FM/FM telemetry and S-Band tracking and command systems in the Agena Vehicle. The RF Closed Loop System includes complete recording capability for TM Video signal storage and permanent records of all quantities associated with vehicle RF transmissions. The system is not necessarily limited to monitoring VHF FM/FM telemetry and S-Band tracking and command systems. It may be changed to accommodate any TM or command system by changing the blockhouse monitoring equipment, such as receivers and other demodulating equipment. One limitation is the frequency bandwidth of the long-run transmission lines. The basic concept of non-radiation of RF transmission outside the launch complex until launch and its development into hardware is the main premise of this paper.