Fine tuning acquisition and tracking interferometer radar system uses a first antenna array of at least three receiving antennas. Array includes a reference antenna, a coarse tuning antenna, and a fine tuning antenna aligned on a receiving axis. Short range rendezvous system provides increased position accuracy

Broderick, R. F.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

October 1969	 Brief 69-10523 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U.S. space program, 
to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public at 15 cents each 
from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information-,Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
An Interferometer Tracking Radar System 
.
The problem: 
To design a short range rendezvous system provid-
ing increased position accuracy. 
The solution: 
A fine tuning acquisition and tracking interferometer 
radar system using a first antenna array of at least 
three receiving antennas. 
How it's done: 
The antenna array should include a reference an-
tenna, a coarse tuning antenna, and a fine tuning 
antenna aligned on a receiving axis. The linear spacing 
distance between the fine tuning antenna and the 
reference antenna should be at least ten times the 
linear spacing distance between the coarse tuning 
antenna and reference antenna. 
Switch means are provided for alternately coupling. 
either the fine or coarse tuning antenna to the ref-
erence antenna and the phase —detector means. 
The configuration may include two or more arrays
of the antennas, one array detecting azimuth and the 
other detecting elevation. 
Note: 
Requests for further information may be directed to: 
Technology Utilization Officer 
Manned Spacecraft Center 
Houston, Texas 77058 
Reference: B69-10523 
Patent status: 
This invention .is owned by NASA, and a patent

application has been filed. Royalty-free non-exclusive

licenses for its commercial use will be granted by

NASA. Inquiries concerning license rights should be

made to NASA, Code GP, Washington, D.C. 20546.

Source: Richard F. Broderick

Manned Spacecraft Center

(MSC-10956) 
Category 01 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the UniteØ States 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19690000498 2020-03-16T18:05:41+00:00Z


An interferometer tracking radar system

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