Site 515: THE X-BAND ARRAY A space platform for academic research

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Site 515 THE X-BAND ARRAY A space platform for
academic research
FBOA
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Current trends in space platform technology

• Satellites
• Smaller size
• Lower power
• Higher data transmission
• Cluster formations
• Greater operating distances

• Ground Stations
• Higher bandwidth
• Higher frequency
• Multi-sat tracking
• Greater sensitivity

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Existing antenna (Roof of Durand)
Single 60 ft Antenna
All Five 60 ft Antennas

• Bandwidth Low High High
• Frequency Low High High
• Sensitivity Low High Very High
• Cluster Tracking No No Yes
• Range LEO LEO/GTO/GEO Lunar/Deep Space
• 200-500 miles 22,000 miles 250,000 miles

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Why 515?

• For tracking and communicating, high frequency
  parabolic dishes with large diameters are needed
• Big Dish is unusable at higher frequencies due
  to the design of its mesh reflector
• The 60 foot diameter dish antennas at Site 515
  are ideal for high bandwidth communication

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Stanfords programs SSDL

• CubeSats
• The latest generation
• A standardized form factor
• Measure 10cm x 10cm x 10cm in size

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Stanfords programs STAR Lab
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Current condition of the array

• Diamond in the rough
• Electronics and surfaces are intact, cleaning
  needed
• Upgrades
• The satellite tracking control system
• Drive speed modifications
• Feed and telecommunication upgrades
• Site fencing
• Preliminary design work has been completed

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Site 515 Proposal
Expert Inspections of Site 515 Antennas and
Facilities by FBOA

• STAR Lab proposes to subcontract the Friends of
  the Bracewell Observatory Association (FBOA)
• FBOA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation that
  includes the crew that built/operated the site
  before
• FBOA will provide the labor, materials, and
  operating funds necessary to
• Restore, upgrade, and maintain the antennas and
  facilities
• Maintain the grounds
• Maintain liability insurance (4 million per
  occurrence policy)

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Budget and Timeline

• Restoration and Upgrade
• Cost 530,000 for first 3 years
• Gifts
• Costs matched with 20 contingency reserve
• Timeline
• 1st Dish up and running before Q3 06
• 2nd Dish by Q3 07

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Site 515 Budget 2005-2007