Geodesic Dome Phased-Array Antenna Demonstrates TT&C Capacity

  • Published
  • By Beverley Thompson
  • Sensors
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  An Advanced Technology Demonstration pursuing sophisticated communications support for overtaxed Air Force Satellite Control Network assets took a giant step forward, proving an advanced antenna's capacity to establish multiple, simultaneous, dual-band (L-band and S-band) transmit and receive contacts for satellite telemetry, tracking, and command. Availability of the technology ultimately sought by this ATD--a geodesic dome phased-array antenna -- has long been envisioned as the solution to anticipated overload issues confronting the AFSCN, which currently relies on mechanically steered parabolic dish antennas to provide TT&C signals to Department of Defense, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and various allied and civilian satellites. The recently demonstrated capability brings the GDPAA vision ever closer to actuality.

Realistic predictions foretelling the impending need for dramatically increased AFSCN capacity form the basis of the GDPAA's deployment--an implementation that, while adding the necessary capacity, will also create complexity. The success of this demonstration hinged on proving the advanced electronically scanned phased-array antenna's performance in establishing simultaneous multilink/multiband satellite contacts. All told, the event saw nearly 200 satellite contacts established with low earth orbit, medium earth orbit, geosynchronous earth orbit, and highly elliptical earth orbit satellites. Researchers used seven key performance parameters to evaluate different aspects, including the antenna's numerous multilink contacts, as well as its uplink power, receive gain, L-band and S-band operation, tracking accuracy, 120° field of view, and maintenance while operating. Pending final verification of the KPP denoting tracking accuracy, all seven KPPs will have met threshold values. Other key capabilities demonstrated included graceful degradation, gain on demand, and automated beam "walking" across the array surface.

Air Force Research Laboratory and the Space and Missile Systems Center are conducting the GDPAA ATD under a 3-year contract wherein prime contractor Ball Aerospace and subcontractors Princeton Microwave Technologies and Alpha Omega Electromagnetics execute the ATD-funded design, construction, and testing of a scalable sector contributing to the "full dome" GDPAA architecture (housed at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado). The Air Force Space Command organizations involved in this highly successful ATD include the 50th Space Wing, Colorado Tracking Station, 22nd Satellite Operations Squadron, and several Satellite Operation Centers. NASA, the Missile Defense Agency, and the National Reconnaissance Office Satellite Operation Squadron are also key players in this important effort.