C-band radar ¿ Beacon tracking for project mercury

As advisors to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Lincoln Laboratory performed an analysis of the Mercury beacon-tracking capabilities. Calculations of signal strength to be expected for orbital flights were made. As a result of the marginal signal levels which were computed, a program of improvements was initiated. Suborbital flight-test data were reduced and compared with computed values. Also extrapolations were made to the orbital cases. As a result of the test data, specific recommendations regarding antenna coverage were made. Orbital flights with and without recommended antenna modifications were performed, which afforded a unique ¿before¿ and ¿after¿ comparison.