Dynamic Link from Liftoff to Final Orbital Insertion for a MEO Space Vehicle

During the entire launch sequences from liftoff to final orbital insertion of a space vehicle (SV), adequate link requirements are to be maintained for telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) for uplink and downlink services, from launch vehicle (LV) and SV to ground stations (GS). A successful space vehicle launch required adequate link coverage with good radio frequency (RF) performance. The chapter is an extension of the IEEE/Aerospace Conference 2019 paper entitled Dynamic Link Analysis and Application for a MEO Space Vehicle published by the authors. The emphasis in this chapter is on the addition of the three distinctively different tracking waveforms and their associated links, used from liftoff to final orbital insertion. This chapter will describe the three required dynamic link analyses (DLA) to cover (a) the LV link from liftoff to its end of line of sight (LOS), (b) the LV link from LOS to Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) at beyond line of sight (BLOS), and (c) the final tracking link using Space-to-Ground Link Subsystem (SGLS) or non-SGLS (NSGLS) link for the earliest or best separation time of the SV from the LV. The chapter discusses the concept of the dynamic link analysis, SV antenna switching schedule, recommended SV separation time, as well as the performance for different launch scenarios within the 24-h launch window. Topics include antenna patterns, launch trajectories, elevation angle and clock and cone angle geometry, and dynamic link budget

EELV Incorporates GPS Metric Tracking as a Range Tracking Source

ITC/USA 2012 Conference Proceedings / The Forty-Eighth Annual International Telemetering Conference and Technical Exhibition / October 22-25, 2012 / Town and Country Resort & Convention Center, San Diego, CaliforniaCurrently, the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) utilizes a communications, tracking, and control system that was developed at the inception of the space launch industry. The current system operation and large ground footprint have driven the United States Air Force (USAF) to embark on an initiative known as the Future Flight Safety System (FFSS) that will lead into a Space Based Range Concept. An important phase of FFSS is the implementation of Global Positioning System Metric Tracking (GPS MT) on all launch vehicles. Working in partnership, United Launch Alliance (ULA) and their USAF EELV customer have developed a common GPS MT solution for both the Atlas V and Delta IV Launch Vehicles.International Foundation for TelemeteringProceedings from the International Telemetering Conference are made available by the International Foundation for Telemetering and the University of Arizona Libraries. Visit http://www.telemetry.org/index.php/contact-us if you have questions about items in this collection