Re: Low budget space vehicle tracking
From: Ian Stirling (root_at_mauve.demon.co.uk)
Date: 02/16/05
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To: sci-space-tech@moderators.isc.org Date: 16 Feb 2005 13:13:56 GMT
David Summers <david@ualmiles.com> wrote:
> So, assuming that we can build an orbital vehicle, get a launch permit,
> etc - what is the best (or cheapest) method of tracking the vehicle
> after launch?
Well, there is best, and there is cheapest.
Best is multiple radar stations, doing skin-track.
Cheapest is probably omnidirectional 802.11 on the launcher,
and a big antenna on the ground, and GPS, and a couple of stations
downrange.
You talk to the launcher until it goes over the horizon, with it informing
you of its track.
(and you verify it somewhat by verifying where the antenna is pointed.)
Then, you pick it up at the second station, when it's in orbit.
A moderate strobe on the spacecraft, timed to go off at the GPS second,
where it's closest to one of several observation points may work, and
be fairly pointing tollerant.
> Specifically, what methods are available for continuous telemetry for a
> private launch? Would you have to set up listening posts around the
> globe? Can you use an existing network?
>
> Another related question - is it possible to get telemetry during
> re-entry? (Assuming a very high altitude / high L/D / high Drag to
> mass re-entry) I know that the shuttle manages to get some data
> through its plasma sheat, so is that technology something a small
> company can use?
You need a relay satellite of some sort, to talk out the back of the
plasma sheath.
Some of the video broadcast satellites may work.
If Iridium recievers work at high delta-vee, they can solve a lot of
these problems.
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