NASA's Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS): Will It Benefit Commercial/Military Satellites?

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA217710 | Open PDF

Abstract:

In 1978 NASA began research and development activities to determine needed technological advancements for the next generation of satellite communications systems. From this beginning evolved the Advanced Communications Technology Satellite ACTS program. The purpose of the ACTS is to develop and flight-test high-risk technologies necessary for the United States continued growth and preeminence in the field of satellite communications. NASA identified the key technologies of onboard baseband processor, microwave switch matrix, multiple beam antennas with electronically hopping narrow spot beams, automatic rain fade compensation, and Ka band 2030 GHz components for inclusion in the ACTS program. With the ACTS scheduled for launch in 1992, this thesis determines whether or not the program will provide the desired benefits to commercial and military satellites. This determination is reached by first reviewing the technologies of the ACTS as well as those of present and planned communications satellites in commercial and military sectors. By comparing the reviewed technologies, a conclusion about the ACTS ability to fulfill NASAs goal is reached. Theses.

Author(s):
Cosgrove, Jr, Colin B.
Author Organization(s):
AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH
Descriptive Note:
Master's thesis
Pagination:
0106

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
AFIT/CI/CIA-88-242
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_1.3.2_Personnel Management; JCA_4.2_Supply; JCA_4.2.2_Inventory Management; JCA_1.2.5_Lessons Learned; JCA_1.2.7_Experimentation; JCA_4.3_Maintain; JCA_5.3_Planning
Communities of Interest:
Space
Descriptor(s):
*COMMUNICATION SATELLITES, MULTIPLE BEAM ANTENNAS, RISK, THESES, RAIN, SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS, COMMUNICATION AND RADIO SYSTEMS, AUTOMATIC, MILITARY SATELLITES, FIELD EQUIPMENT, TECHNOLOGY FORECASTING, KA BAND, NARROW BEAMS(RADIATION), FLIGHT TESTING, COMMERCE
Field(s)/Group(s):
Unmanned Spacecraft, Radio Communications
Keyword(s):
ACTS(ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY SATELLITE)
Report Date:
1988 Dec 05