Re: Level of Detail?

[Bill Garmer <bgarmer@tsc.net>]

At 02:28 AM 4/15/97 -0400, you wrote:
>In a message dated 97-04-14 20:57:14 EDT, you write:
>
>>EME usually requires a better high gain antenna (the dipole include with teh
>>PRC-70 will not do) than the teams have.  You would have to stop to erect it
>>(I have never bounced signals this way - just reviewing the literature).
>>
>>
>
>   I've always used a flexible or X-member folding antenna.  Remember, the
>Project satellite doesn't have to carry a large load.  And NOTHING like what
>a normal ComSat did pre-OOPS!  Use the remaining space for Armor and a
>heat-exchanger - type power generator (thermocouple? do those degrade after a
>while of use?  Would one last, say fifteen years?). 

Thermocouples would last - the problem is that they require a thermal difference to work so normally they are used in RTGs.  As far as the antenna was, I was discussing the EME bounce.  The moon isn't a prefect reflector and the distance is long so you have to make up the difference in the gain of the antenna.  The LEOs I work with can be reached with 5W out and a whip antenna so I use a version of them for my game.  Your game may vary.

>   I say heat-exchanger because the satellite will get that for free.  Won't
>have any weight cost for fuel on launch.  Once activated, solar panels
>extend.  This gives an operational life of about five years (according to US
>Navy manual for satellites - five years is normal operating lifespan).

There are many satellites and probes that have lasted for much longer than five years using RTGs.

>   Also on board is fuel to be used at acivation to return the Sat to it's
>proper position.  If one (or more) of the failed comsat launches of the 80's
>is used, this works.  The sat may even have rudimentery cameras for weather
>monitoring.  NOT spy stuff.  Not needed when you have fusion-powered
>aircraft.

I would, if I were the MP PD, like the capability to look beyond the CONUS without flying my limited number of fusion powered aircrafts around.  A lot of weather that effects CONUS startes in northren USSR and the coast of Africa.  Also it would be good to know the shape of the rest of the world.

Bill

>Thanks
>Scott Hann
>
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William R. Garmer
Member Technical Staff
Torrey Science Corporation
3550 General Atomics Ct, Bldg 14
San Diego, CA  92121

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e-mail: bgarmer@tsc.net