Application of Delay-Lock Radar Techniques to Deep-Space Tasks

Abstract

This paper discusses the use of delay-lock radar techniques for deep-space tracking and communications tasks. To illustrate these techniques, a Mars or Venus space probe of the Voyager type is used as a typical mission. The Voyager is an unmanned vehicle in the 6000-lb class which is planned for scientific and exploratory purposes from the years 1967 to 1975. A brief introduction to the results of delay-lock radar development to date is given, followed by a description of the digital delay-lock discriminator. A discussion is then given on the problems inherent in the modulation and demodulation which is required to make full use of the delay-lock capability. An integrated delay-lock two-way tracking-communications system suitable for the assumed mission is then described and the performance to be expected is calculated. This anticipated performance indicates considerable improvement over present capabilities.