Communicating with the Polar Platform/Envisat - The DRS Terminal

The Polar Platform carries a wideband communications system, the DRS Terminal, which will transmit the scientific data generated by Envisat's instruments to the ground via the Artemis data-relay satellite. The characteristics of this Ka-band link impose stringent requirements on both the Termin...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:E.S.A. bulletin 1996-11 (88), p.58-65
Main Authors: Mas-Albaiges, J, Huertas, L
Format: Article
Language:English
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:The Polar Platform carries a wideband communications system, the DRS Terminal, which will transmit the scientific data generated by Envisat's instruments to the ground via the Artemis data-relay satellite. The characteristics of this Ka-band link impose stringent requirements on both the Terminal's mechanical and electrical elements in order to preserve end-to-end data integrity during the communication sessions. A complex control system is needed to ensure that correct Artemis pointing and tracking is maintained by the DRS Terminal on the orbiting Polar Platform. Envisat will be the first ESA mission to use Artemis as an integral part of its nominal operational service. (Author)
ISSN:0376-4265