Gemini B Antenna System Testing

The purpose of these tests was to determine the radiation distribution of the nose stub antenna mounted on the Gemini B Spacecraft. Tests were performed with and without the nose fairing and ejection spring, at the VHF-Voice 296.8 MHz and the VHF-Recovery Beacon frequencies 243.0 MHz. Test tests were conducted at a range of 500 feet using the ground level range technique with the reflection level reduced to at least 40 db down. The tests were conducted on a 13 scale model of the Gemini B Spacecraft at 729.0 MHz linearly polarized for the Recovery Beacon, and on a 13 scale model of the Gemini B Spacecraft and the Model used in Laboratory was only a section 21 feet long, the actual laboratory is considerably larger Manned Orbital Laboratory at 890.4 MHz left hand circularly polarized for the VHF-Voice and Recovery Beacon frequencies for a linear signal in horizontal and vertical polarizations. The data results consists of Radiation Distribution Plots with information printed every two degrees of Theta and every two degrees of Phi with plus or minus 0.5 db resolution, polar plots for principal plane cuts and roll cuts for every ten degrees of Theta with integration information for calculation of the isotropic level, and punched tapes. Contour plots were drawn from information obtained from the RDPs.