|
Array: |
Electronically combining antennas
pointing at the same object to increase the strength of the received
signal. |
|
Azimuth: |
Angle from true north. |
|
Carrier Frequency: |
Frequency used to transport information
via radio signals |
|
CDSCC: |
Canberra Deep Space Communication
Complex |
|
CSIRO: |
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial
Research Organisation |
|
Demodulator: |
Used to extract the signal from
the carrier frequency. |
|
Digital: |
Signal comprised of on and off
pulses (0’s and 1’s). |
|
DSN: |
Deep Space Network |
|
Elevation: |
Angle above the horizon. 0°
elevation is the horizon, 90° is directly above. |
|
EPOCH time: |
A reference point to coordinate
between different timing systems and the world timing standard
set by Universal or Greenwich Mean Time. |
|
Equatorial: |
Mount used in many optical and
early radio antennas. |
|
Interferometry: |
Technique using a number of small
antennas to simulate one large antenna. |
|
Intrinsic Noise: |
Electrical noise generated within
all electronic systems and is dependent on temperature. |
|
JPL: |
Jet Propulsion Laboratory |
|
NASA: |
National Aeronautics and Space
Administration |
|
Parabolic: |
Shape used for radio antennas
based on Y=X2 curve that concentrates incoming rays to a single
point. |
|
Pointing computer: |
Controls the movement of the antennas. |
|
Optical fibre: |
Glass like material used to transmit
light signals. |
|
Satellite: |
A small body that orbits around
a larger one (eg: the Moon around the Earth, or a spacecraft
around a planet). |
|
TDRS: |
Tracking and Data Relay Satellite |
|
Telemetry: |
Transmission of measurements by
a spacecraft. |
|
Velocity: |
Vector specifying an object’s
speed and direction. |
|
Zenith: |
Directly overhead (90° elevation) |
