The 500 kW CW X-band Goldstone Solar System Radar

In recent years the Goldstone Solar System Radar (GSSR) has undergone significant improvements in performance in the areas of increased transmitter power and increased receiver sensitivity. An overview of the radar system and each of these improvements are discussed. The transmitter was upgraded with two new state-of-the-art 250 kW X-band klystrons which increased the radiated power from 360 kW to 460 kW (1.1 dB). The microwave receiver system was improved by cryogenically cooling a major portion of the receive feed components, reducing the receiver noise temperature from 18.0 K to 14.7 K (0.9 dB). Plans for future improvements are discussed.<
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