Spaceborne Antennas for Planetary Exploration

JPL spacecraft antennas-from the first Explorer satellite in 1958 to current R & D Spaceborne Antennas for Planetary Exploration covers the development of Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) spacecraft antennas, beginning with the first Explorer satellite in 1958 through current research and development activities aimed at future missions. Readers follow the evolution of all the new designs and technological innovations that were developed to meet the growing demands of deep space exploration. The book focuses on the radio frequency design and performance of antennas, but covers environmental and mechanical considerations as well. There is additionally a thorough treatment of all the analytical and measurement techniques used in design and performance assessment. Each chapter is written by one or more leading experts in the field of antenna technology. The presentation of the history and technology of spaceborne antennas is aided by several features: * Photographs and drawings of JPL spacecraft * Illustrations to help readers visualize concepts and designs * Tables highlighting and comparing the performance of the antennas * Bibliographies at the end of each chapter leading to a variety of primary and secondary source material This book complements Large Antennas of the Deep Space Network (Wiley 2002), which surveys the ground antennas covered in support of spacecraft. Together, these two books completely cover all JPL antenna technology, in keeping with the JPL Deep Space Communications and Navigation Series mission to capture and present the many innovations in deep space telecommunications over the past decades. This book is a fascinating and informative read for all individuals working in or interested in deep space telecommunications.

JPL spacecraft antennas-from the first Explorer satellite in 1958to current R & DSpaceborne Antennas for Planetary Exploration covers thedevelopment of Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) spacecraft antennasbeginning with the first Explorer satellite in 1958 through currentresearch and development activities aimed at future missions.Readers follow the evolution of all the new designs andtechnological innovations that were developed to meet the growingdemands of deep space exploration.The book focuses on the radio frequency design and performance ofantennas, but covers environmental and mechanical considerations aswell. There is additionally a thorough treatment of all theanalytical and measurement techniques used in design andperformance assessment. Each chapter is written by one or moreleading experts in the field of antenna technology.The presentation of the history and technology of spaceborneantennas is aided by several features:* Photographs and drawings of JPL spacecraft* Illustrations to help readers visualize concepts anddesigns* Tables highlighting and comparing the performance of theantennas* Bibliographies at the end of each chapter leading to a variety ofprimary and secondary source materialThis book complements Large Antennas of the Deep Space Network(Wiley 2002), which surveys the ground antennas covered in supportof spacecraft. Together, these two books completely cover all JPLantenna technology, in keeping with the JPL Deep SpaceCommunications and Navigation Series mission to capture and presentthe many innovations in deep space telecommunications over the pastdecades.This book is a fascinating and informative read for all individualsworking in or interested in deep space telecommunications.