Title :
Prediction of the pattern performance for the aeroassist flight experiment spacecraft
Author :
Campbell, T. ; Vedeler, E. ; Rudduck, R. ; Torres, R.
Author_Institution :
NASA Langley Res. Center, Hampton, VA, USA
Abstract :
In order to provide a set of benchmark flight data that could be used to validate computational fluid dynamics analysis and allow optimum engineering design of space vehicles, NASA has undertaken the aeroassist flight experiment (AFE). An investigation of the spacecraft antennas for AFE is being conducted that will provide estimates for signal transmissions from AFE to the tracking and data relay satellites (TDRS) during the aeropass data period. A comparison of the free-space pattern calculations with experimental test results using a 0.40-scale model of the AFE spacecraft are presented. The measured and calculated radiation patterns of the antenna mounted on the spacecraft are shown for a frequency of 5.6 GHz. Excellent agreement is found for H-plane patterns and reasonable agreement for the E-plane patterns.<>
Keywords :
aerospace testing; antenna radiation patterns; microwave antennas; microwave measurement; satellite antennas; space vehicles; 5.6 GHz; E-plane patterns; H-plane patterns; NASA; SHF; TDRS; aeroassist flight experiment spacecraft; benchmark flight data; computational fluid dynamics analysis; engineering design; experimental test results; free-space pattern calculations; pattern performance; radiation patterns; space vehicles; spacecraft antennas; tracking and data relay satellites; Aerospace engineering; Automotive engineering; Computational fluid dynamics; Data engineering; Design engineering; NASA; Relays; Satellite antennas; Space vehicles; Transmitting antennas;
Conference_Titel :
Antennas and Propagation Society International Symposium, 1990. AP-S. Merging Technologies for the 90's. Digest.
Conference_Location :
Dallas, TX, USA
DOI :
10.1109/APS.1990.115494
