A dynamic deep space communication link analysis tool for the deep space network (DSN)

Abstract

A dynamic deep space communication link analysis tool is described in this paper. This tool, developed by The Aerospace Corporation, provides the capability to analyze coverage and data throughput for communication links between a spacecraft and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's (JPL) Deep Space Network (DSN). The tool determines the link margin and data throughput over time during the trajectory of a spacecraft as monitored by the DSN. The analysis takes into account several dynamic effects in calculating the link budget, including transmit and receive antenna gains and space loss. This tool consists of a database derived from JPL's DSMS Telecommunications Link Design Handbook, from which relevant link budget parameters are extracted for all of the 70-m and 34-m antennas. Some of the relevant DSN link budget parameters include receive and transmit gain, as well as system noise temperature. Since these parameters vary, depending on operating conditions, the database takes into account various conditions, such as cumulative weather distribution, month of operation, elevation angle, particular DSN antenna being used, and uplink and downlink frequency. By utilizing the corresponding DSN link budget parameters and the spacecraft's trajectory and link budget parameters, one is able to determine the amount of coverage and data throughput versus time