The Ultra Cone: An Ultra-Low-Noise Space Communication Ground Radio-Frequency System

Maximum sensitivity was required for the reception of Mariner V signals as it was occulted by the planet Venus. To meet this requirement, an ultra-low-noise radio-frequency system (ultra cone) was developed for the JPL/NASA Deep Space Instrumentation Facility (DSIF). The system consisted of an 85-fo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:IEEE transactions on microwave theory and techniques 1968-09, Vol.16 (9), p.596-602
Main Authors: Levy, G.S., Bathker, D.A., Higa, W., Stelzried, C.T.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Antenna accessories
Antenna feeds
Instruments
Masers
NASA
Planets
Radio frequency
Refrigeration
Transmission line antennas
Venus
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Summary:Maximum sensitivity was required for the reception of Mariner V signals as it was occulted by the planet Venus. To meet this requirement, an ultra-low-noise radio-frequency system (ultra cone) was developed for the JPL/NASA Deep Space Instrumentation Facility (DSIF). The system consisted of an 85-foot antenna with a Cassegrain feed, low-noise transmission line components, and closed-cycle refrigerated maser amplifier. The antenna (at zenith), transmission line, and maser contributed about 9/spl deg/K, 2/spl deg/K, and 5/spl deg/K, respectively, for a total operating noise temperature of approximately 16/spl deg/K. The antenna feed, maser system, and calibration techniques are described in detail.
ISSN:0018-9480
1557-9670
DOI:10.1109/TMTT.1968.1126758