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Accession Number:
ADA063390
Title:
Passive Space Communication Array
Corporate Author:
STANFORD RESEARCH INST MENLO PARK CA
Report Date:
1976-02-01
Abstract:
SRI carried out a project to demonstrate the feasibility of a passive array-type satellite for long-distance survivable communication. The demonstration satellite will consist of approximately 10,000 aluminum spheres one centimeter in diameter arranged in a linear array. The array will be held straight and vertical by gravity-gradient forces at synchronous altitude. It will operate at frequencies near 10 GHz. The array has the properties of a passive linear circuit and is completely free from intermodulation or harmonic generation. These features, in combination with the fact that the return may be directed or steered by choice of the operating frequency, provide the communication link with privacy and a high degree of jam resistance. The most probable launch is as a piggyback load accompanying a pair of 777 satellites on a Titan III-C booster late in 1977. Experiments have confirmed that the electromagnetic scattering properties of the array are consistent with theoretical results. The orbital dynamics of the array have been investigated, and techniques for deploying such a structure have been developed. To obtain complete verification of the performance of the passive space array it will be necessary to launch a demonstration unit into orbit.
Descriptive Note:
Status rept. 1 Apr 1974-Jan 1976
Supplementary Note:
Sponsored in part by DARPA. Formerly ADE100148.
Pages:
0056
Distribution Statement:
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Contract Number:
DCA100-74-C-0035
Contract Number 2:
ARPA ORDER-2645
File Size:
17.99MB
