Breadboard System Research Articles

Optical Spectrum Analysis of Large Space Bandwidth Signals

Coherent optical spectrum analyzers are available for determining the frequency content of many analog signals written simultaneously on film. The space bandwidth product of each signal must not exceed one thousand for a typical 35 mm system. By sacrificing the multichannel capability of such a computer, single signals with space bandwidth products greater than one million (10(6)) can be analyzed. Two optical systems are described. The first analyzes long signals but maintains the frequency resolution of the multichannel system (one part in one thousand). The second system yields frequency resolution of at least one part in one million. Near real-time, continuous spectrum analysis of analog signals is within the current state of the art. A breadboard system is being built.

A High Data Rate Laser Communication System

A sophisticated laser communication system has been built and tested both in the laboratory and over field distances. It is envisioned that laser systems using the same techniques might someday return real time television and telemetry from manned interplanetary spacecraft. In the breadboard system, commercial rate television, sound, and a data channel are multiplexed into a thirty million bit per second pulse code modulation (PCM) format, and this signal is modulated onto the laser beam using polarization modulation (PL). We believe this is the first application of a high power Argon ion laser in a communication system. This paper contains an illustrated description of the system, a brief discussion of problems associated with the integration of the high power laser and the wide band modulator, and a summary of experimental results obtained under field conditions. Photographs of the TV monitor, transmitted under various atmospheric conditions, are included.

Dynamic Control Study for a Solar Mirror Aboard a Space Craft†

ABSTRACT This paper describes a breadboard system fabricated to study the control of a solar mirror. The appropriate Euler equations were used to simulate the dynamics on an analogue computer. The accuracy of the computer study was checked with actual performance data.

Regal---An Advanced Approach and Landing System

The FAA is developing an advanced approach and landing system called REGAL. Ground-based scanning beams set up a broad reference grid in space from which aircraft may determine their position and optimumly determine the landing maneuver. A breadboard system was designed and tested in 1957 and 1958, and the FAA experimental elevation system will be tested in 1959. Theory of the radar ground-reflection problem is discussed and empirical data are presented to validate conclusions.